The Gingerbread Run is Saskatoon's iconic fun run.

When registration opens tomorrow (Oct. 8th at www.321gorunning.ca), the 5KM fun run (or walk) will sell-out weeks before the actual event on Sunday, November 22nd. 

But the origin of how the fun run was created 12 years ago is a funny story!

"Years ago at Brainsport we had an eight-week running clinic that was planning on training for a late November running event. Halfway through the program that (particular) event was cancelled. So, we decided to start our own event," remembered Brainsport owner Brian Michasiw.

"I asked my managers Lis Schermann and Tyler Babiy to go out for dinner to help create a new event. Our goal was to create something fun and creative."

Brian tried to plant a seed with his managers, but rather hilariously confused the words to the famous kid's story!

"I initially proposed a pancake run and miss remembered that it was...run, run as fast as you can...you can’t catch me, I’m the Pancake Man.

"Lis and Tyler corrected me and said that it was the Gingerbread Man, which I thought was great because it would be easier to serve Gingerbread cookies than pancakes."

Fast forward to today, the Gingerbread Run is very popular. It has doubled in size in the last three years at almost 800 people. From children to novice runners to walkers to speed specialists, the start line is buzzing with hopes of catching one of the three Gingerbread Men on the course in full costume.

"It’s popular because you get a Gingerbread cookie, a nice bunny hug and people love racing the Gingerbread Man. It also lands at a perfect time of year (because) most people are done racing but still looking for a fun and easy running event," continued Brian.

There is also the added fun game of guessing the colour of the coveted Gingerbread bunny hug - which is a closely-guarded secret until event weekend!

See you at the start line on November 22nd!