American-born Paulette is one of first to sign up for marathon

An American who moved to Scotland after taking part in a charity walk to Stirling is among the first to sign up for the city’s marathon.

Paulette Weir, originally from New Mexico, cannot wait to take part in the Stirling Scottish Marathon, having first settled in the city when she crossed the Atlantic almost 20 years ago.

Paulette, now 64, signed up for a charity walk from Dundee to Stirling in 1996 to raise money for the Aberlour Child Care Trust.

She said: “I thought that would be a fantastic way to show my son Scotland and to also let him know that there are things to do in the world other than a normal holiday - that he can have a holiday where you can learn something.”

But the pair were so enchanted by the country that they decided to up sticks and move to Scotland. And Paulette rented a place in Stirling while they looked for a home.

She has taken part in marathons before - but never in her adopted home country, and she admits the temptation proved to be too much as she became one of the first runners to sign up for the 26.2 mile event which takes place in central Scotland next May.

“It was the fact I could run a marathon near to my home,” said Paulette, who now lives in Glencoe.

“I know Stirling very well. I stayed in Stirling for a month and I walked everywhere, so I know the city.”

Paulette became a British citizen in February and is now fully acclimatised to the less forgiving weather than she would have been previously used to in New Mexico. Her son was educated at Dollar Academy, but has since returned to live in the United States.

Paulette has since discovered her ancestors were from Scotland - so it was little wonder she felt drawn to move over here.

Runners can join Paulette on the start line next May. And there is also a Family Mile event, ideal for children aged 3–13 years old.

Visit greatrun.org/stirling for more information.