Another great run into the new year
Annual Blairgowrie fun run and walk is a big success
The 34th annual Blairgowrie New Year’s Day Fun Run and Walk has been hailed a great success by organisers who are already planning next year’s milestone event.
The popular volunteer-led event attracted more than 400 participants this year from across the UK and there were local winners - Fraser Matthews and Emily Gilmore - in the boys’ and girls’ races.
Around 240 runners and 170 walkers of all ages and abilities - as well as several dogs - took part, relishing the chance to start the new year in an energetic fashion.
Participants gathered at Blairgowrie Town Hall for the start of the 3.8-mile course, which encompasses a circuit of the town before finishing in the Wellmeadow.
The weather was dry but cold for the duration of the event, although the pavements were quite slippy.
A prize-giving ceremony was later held in the town hall.
Many of those who signed up to take part in the event were from Blairgowrie and Rattray.
There were also people from Alyth and Coupar Angus, as well as a good turnout from a number of running clubs in the wider Tayside area and further afield, including Fife, Falkirk and Glasgow.
There were also entrants from Winchester, London, Norfolk and even Florida in the USA taking part.
Local MSP and Deputy First Minister of Scotland John Swinney was among the participants.
He said: “There is no better way to start the new year than the Blairgowrie New Year Fun Run and Walk, it certainly blows away the cobwebs.
“It only happens because of the tremendous commitment of everyone involved in preparing for the event and it’s a wonderful part of the annual calendar in Blairgowrie and east Perthshire.”
Bob Ellis, one of the organisers of the fun run and walk, said: “The 34th running of this event was once again a tremendous success, with not just the participants and their supporters attending but the spectators around the 3.8-mile course, clapping and cheering on the competitors.
“We have always classed this event as a fun run but many come to Blairgowrie to race, to better their time of last year or to take part in three events in the one day – namely the Perth and Dundee park runs – before coming over to Blair.
“This year we had lots of walkers once again, and more ladies running which is great.
“Some of the walkers were very quick and were within sight of the finish line before the lead runner passed them, while others were just enjoying the atmosphere and the social side of the event.
“Well done to all the winners and indeed to all of the participants.”
Mr Ellis went on to thank everyone involved in organising the event.
He said: “This annual event could not take place without the undying support of the small but dedicated group of volunteers who make it happen year after year.
“My thanks go to Brenda, Stuart and Alison Kerr, Audrey and Gordon Watson and daughter Lucy and hubby Phil. Also to Kate and David Martin, Jan and Brian Martin and Nick and Sue Cole, all of whom staffed the registration tables and were out marshalling the course.
“Nick also had the job of stopping the traffic this year to allow the participants safe passage from the Town Hall to the top of Reform Street.
“My thanks also goes to Lyn, Kymie and Logan Ellis who provided the participants with refreshments of soup, juice, shortie and choccy before and after the event.
“And finally, I would like to thank all of the participants, their supporters and spectators - without you all, this event would not take place.”
See pages 4 and 5 of this week’s Blairie for more pictures from the event.
For the results, see page 35.
This year we had lots of walkers once again ... and more ladies running Bob Ellis