Ready to run tigers?

In case you missed it last week, next Tuesday ( 15th September) will see the staging of the third annual Toni’s Tigers LP Run.

And you can help to make it bigger and better than ever. This year all money raised will go to Alzheimer Scotland, the leading dementia organisation in Scotland, who provide information and support to people living with dementia in Scotland and their families.

I’m pretty sure almost all of us know someone living with dementia, but what some of you may not know is that it can affect any one of us, and strike at any age.

A good friend of mine, and former running comrade, Betty Boyd, was diagnosed with a rare form of dementia whilst still in her 50s.

Betty still runs almost every day but is aware that the time will come when she will no longer be able to enjoy this wonderful sport which has provided her with so much joy and achievement.

Betty is taking part in research to help us understand more about this condition and perhaps even come up with a cure in the future, however for now it is important that those currently living with the condition, and their families, are provided with appropriate information, advice and support.

I provided details of the run last week but just to clarify, everyone will run round the track for 33.3 minutes ( the RPM of an old LP) and whoever runs the furthest wins.

Therefore this really is suitable for everyone, as everyone starts and finishes in the same place, runs ( or walks) for the same amount of time, and nobody gets left behind.

Of course there will be prizes for the winners but the main aim of the event is for everyone to have fun and raise as much money as we can for this really important charity.

And in case you’re still not convinced, the famous cake competition will also return.

This started out as a wee bit of fun the first year, but has now grown to almost overshadow the run itself!

Again, there will be prizes for the winning cakes but it’s a great chance to embrace your inner Mary Berry or Paul Hollywood and show us what you can do in the kitchen.

Bring along your best effort and after judging, all cakes will be waiting for hungry runners to sample after the run. You can’t say fairer than that!

I really hope you can all come along and support this excellent event, and help us make a small contribution to improving the lives of those living with dementia. Search for Toni’s Tigers LP Run on facebook, or contact me for more details.

Jog on.