Runners quick off mark for marathon places

Runners snapped up the available spots for this year’s Strathearn Marathon in a space of less than two hours over the weekend.

Online entries for the June 6 showpiece organised by Strathearn Harriers opened at noon on Sunday and the club announced the initial 150 spaces had been filled shortly before 2pm.

An online waiting list has been created, but COVID-19 restrictions mean applications for additional places will only be considered if government and Scottish Athletics regulations and guidelines allow the race to take place with more than 150 runners.

The host club has also said every effort will be made to ensure the event – which starts and finishes at Cultybraggan Camp near Comrie – mirrors previous editions of a popular fixture on the Scottish running calendar, but issues in relation to the coronavirus pandemic mean some changes could be in the pipeline.

A Strathearn Harriers spokesperson said: “Obviously there is still some uncertainty on whether we can go ahead on Sunday, June 6 as planned, so at this stage we are just asking you to sign-up and provide payment details, but we will not take any payment until it is clear that we can run the race.

“We will take this decision by early April at the latest.

“If and when we confirm the race is going ahead, we will alert all entrants two weeks before payment is taken using the details provided.

“We are limiting initial entries to 150 people, in case rules require us to run the race with restricted numbers and using wave starts.

“We hope that we may be able to increase this number if restrictions ease.

“Those who deferred their entry from last year will automatically be entered for the 2021 race.”

The spokesperson continued:“We are not taking any new orders for race t-shirts and hoodies at this stage and plan to set up a separate system for ordering these nearer the date of the race.

“Please note that although we will do our best to keep the race as close as possible to the event that you know and love, it is possible that there may need to be some changes in relation to catering, personal drinks etc, to minimise any COVID risks.

“However, we are really keen to welcome everyone back to Cultybraggan and will do all we can to ensure that you are able to assemble on the start line on June 6 to run Strathearn’s scenic route and earn that iconic squirrel medal.”

For more information about the club, which has currently suspended its activities, send an email to enquiries@ strathearnharriers.org.uk

Alternatively, search for‘Strathearn Harriers’on Facebook or see the website www.strathearnharriers.org. uk