Blowing snow and a forecast high of -6 degrees. Some might call that a perfect day for a marathon.

The 10th annual Polar Bear Marathon takes place Saturday in Churchill. Once again this year it is being organized by Albert Martens of Steinbach.

Martens has 14 runners registered for the race. He says what draws people to this event is the thirst to try something different from a typical road marathon, city marathon or even a run through the mountains. He senses some runners are tired of those races and looking for something a little more adventurous.

"And Churchill is different," he says. "Not that it's that hard to run, but it is different in that there are bears and it's cold and it's unique, something that some other runners have never run in."

Similar to past years, this year's field of runners come from all over. He has several from southeastern Manitoba including Shannon Sawatzky from Steinbach and Frank Brandt from Blumenort. There is also a group of five runners from Churchill. Travelling the furthest distance for the race is a runner from Italy, followed by one from Lithuania. Martens says he also has a runner from BC who has run 414 marathons in her life and 38 ultras.

True to its name, runners have spotted polar bears during this event over the years. And, Martens says the fact Churchill has been experiencing warmer than normal conditions certainly increases the chances of that happening again. He notes as the Hudson Bay begins to freeze, the bears typically start their journey out of town. However, he doubts the shoreline has frozen yet, meaning the bears will still be around. Martens says on Sunday after the race the runners will often rent vans and drive around looking for the bears.

Martens says as per usual the race will be run with the assistance of Canadian Rangers. He notes the Canadian Rangers have promised at least five vehicles and drivers to help escort the runners. These Rangers act as bear spotters and can scare off the bears if they get too close to the runners.

According to Martens, the Polar Bear Marathon does not typically provide much fanfare from the locals in Churchill. He notes especially on years when it has been -20 degrees or colder, the locals are not likely to stand around and watch for the runners. Rather, the organizers keep track of where the runners are along the course and will announce to those inside the hotel when another one is approaching the finish line.

Having organized this event now for 10 years, Martens admits it has come a lot further than he had ever expected. He says it was only supposed to be a one time deal, but notes the interest for this event keeps him bringing it back year after year.

The Polar Bear Marathon is an awareness piece for Athletes in Action. This year, Steinbach resident Dale Sawatzky will be the guest speaker at the weekend's awards banquet.