Paisley running event set to crash through 3,000 entrants mark
10k date for Johanna
A record number of entrants – almost 3,000 people – have signed up to hit the streets of Paisley for this year’s 10k and Fun Run.
With just over a week to go until the popular event is held, organisers at Renfrewshire Leisure have revealed that 2,944 people have already pledged to tackle the courses.
There are 1,869 people racing in the 10k and 1,075 taking part in the fun run.
At the same point last year, 2,373 had signed up for the event, with 1,596 for the 10k and 777 for the Fun Run.
And organisers are confident that by the time race day comes along on Sunday, August 20, more than 3,000 folk will be pounding the streets across town.
There is still time to enter as the deadline is noon on Friday, August 18.
The big day is sponsored by sports and outdoors retailer Decathlon and, for the third year, the official charity partner is Macmillan Cancer Support.
Many of the fun runners are being sponsored to raise muchneeded funds for local charities, clubs and good causes – with several entire football teams of youngsters taking part.
This year’s 10k race has £1,200 of prize money and trophies up for grabs and, for the fun runners, there are prizes for the first three boys and girls from primary and secondary schools over the finish line.
Joyce McKellar, chief executive of Renfrewshire Leisure, said: “If you’ll pardon the pun, we’ve had a fantastic run of entries to this year’s Paisley 10k and Fun Run.
“The 10k has grown to become a popular race in the calendar of events for the more serious runners and more and more people are staying fit and healthy by training for the fun run.”
Express columnist Johanna Farren will be among those taking on the 10k as she tries to lose some of her 22-stone weight.
She has been trying to get in shape as she aims to get Fit For Forty ahead of her big 4-0 birthday.
She said: “This journey doesn’t end at the finish line of the 10k or the day I turn 40.
“This is a journey that keeps going until I’ve banished the bad habits, ditched the unhealthy coping mechanisms, and burned the fat that I’d allowed to become my identity once and for all.”
Johanna started writing her Fit For Forty piece in the Express back in February and has been working hard to lose inches ahead of the 10k.
Joyce added: “Even if people aren’t taking part – and there’s still time to enter – I’d encourage everyone to come down and support their families and friends who are running.
“It’s an exciting day out for everyone and as well as the races, there will be lots going on in the town for people of all ages to enjoy.”
• You can register for the race by logging on to renfrewshireleisure. com, calling 0300 300 1362, or picking up an entry form from any Renfrewshire Leisure venue.