Diocese of Saskatoon Catholic Foundation - Ensuring the blessings we have received will be shared for generations to come.

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BISHOP’S RACE
2024

Bishop Mark Hagemoen with Bishop Gary Franken and their teams will run
The Canadian Death Race on August 3rd and 4th, 2024
in support of the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund.

“And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us”
Hebrews 12: 1

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BROS & BISHOPS TEAM

RYAN

This past spring I just finished two years of formation at St.Therese Institute in Bruno SK. I am now living and working in Lloydminster AB.  I am passionate about all things fitness and all things faith. I am very excited for the chance to run-trek with an amazing group of Catholic men, including two beloved Bishops, in The Great Canadian Death (…to Life) Race in the mountains of Grande Cache!  Given the name of the race and the terrain of the course, I am grateful for two team members who can readily administer the last rites!

BISHOP MARK

I serve as the Bishop of the Diocese of Saskatoon, and this will be my sixth Death (…to Life…) Race. It’s a real honour for me to run with my brother bishop, Gary Franken (he is 1 year younger than me!), and with the other young men from both of our dioceses. This run also represents the long, adventurous, arduous journey of reconciliation and healing, which features much-needed mercy and persistence.

RONAN

I am 20 years old and I currently living with my family in Crescent Beach BC, finishing high school, and working at a local restaurant. After this summer I’m hoping to attend the Saint Therese Institute in Bruno Saskatchewan. When I was asked by my older brother (Kieran Gillespie) to partake in the death race, I accepted immediately, hoping that an early commitment would give me extra time to train. Unfortunately, I procrastinated training, although picking up recently. The race will be a great challenge, but united by faith I am certain that our two teams will overcome any difficulties.

RAPH

Hello! My name is Raphael Pelletier. I am 22 years old and I am from a small town called Legal, an hour North of Edmonton. I come from a family of six. I am the oldest of 2 brothers, Justin and Isaac, and a sister, Julia. I am a second-year University student at the U.of S. and I also play on the Men’s Huskie Hockey team. I was able to take part in the Death Race 2 years ago with Bishop Mark, Luc, Jerome, Dom Montpetit, and Jacob Powell. Was an incredible experience and I am really looking forward to the physical challenge ahead and also to create memories and to grow closer as brothers!

Maximilian

I am 22 years old and will be doing a 3rd year Apostolic Intern at St. Therese Institute of Faith and Mission. I have been running for a year and feel very blessed to be taking on my biggest challenge yet in the Canadian Death Race!

Memento mori TEAM

LUC

My name is Luc! I’m 20 years old and from Bruno Saskatchewan but now live here in Saskatoon! This will be my second trip for this race! My first year didn’t quite go as expected as I didn’t get to run because of an injury but I’m back at it this year!

KIERAN

I’m Kieran! I’m 23 years old and the eldest of five – my brother Ronan is doing the Death Race alongside me. I’m from the West Coast of BC, and I’ve always loved hiking camping, and being in the mountains. After serving and working for NET Ministries of Canada for four years, I most recently experienced a deeply transformative year at St. Therese Institute (alongside some of these other amazing guys!). I’m looking forward to taking on the Great Canadian Death Race with my brothers in Christ this year, it’s a real special opportunity.

BISHOP GARY

I have served as the Bishop of St. Paul’s Diocese, Alberta, for the last 1.5 years.  I am originally from the Vancouver area and served as a priest for the Archdiocese of Vancouver for about 33 years before being appointed to St. Paul’s. This will be my 2nd Death Race – having run it about 18 years ago. I have always enjoyed hiking in the mountains, not just for the physical experience, but also for the beauty and the contemplation. I am hoping that experience and some more wisdom will compensate for my years (I am 61).

JEROME

I am 23 years old, and this will be my second Death “…to life” Race.  After completing a year at St. Therese Institute, I have taken the last few years to discern priesthood and religious life. I am currently completing my degree in Philosophy and Religious Studies. God only knows where He is calling me – I am open to do His will.

ALEX

 I grew up in Bruno, SK, and I have been living in Saskatoon since 2016 to pursue an engineering degree at the U of S. Since then I have made Saskatoon my home and I am currently working as a civil engineer in training. As a teenager, I spent a lot of time outdoors, jogging, cycling, hunting, and going on hikes, which led me to fall in love with God through the beauty that I encountered in my wanderings. I was honoured to accept the invitation to join the team of incredible men in this race and to do a hard thing for the glory of God.

GALLERY