Race is a toughie

Runners face gruelling castle test

Another gruelling running race is be held in the city.

Following in the footsteps of the marathon in May and 10k at the weekend comes Stirling’s Toughest, a race around the castle and King’s Knot due to take place on November 4.

The event can be run over courses of 4.1 kilometres, 8.2 kilometres or 12.3 kilometres.

The start and finish is behind Cowane’s Hospital and the course goes around Stirling Castle and King’s Knot and each lap features a 400-foot climb.

Prizes will be awarded on the day for the top finishers and all entrants will receive a Coolmax t-shirt.

The event, now in its second year is being backed by armed forces charity Poppy Scotland. Head of fundraising Gordon Michie said: “It’s very appropriate for Poppy Scotland to be the partner for Stirling’s Toughest as it’s our job to help those who have served and have been the toughest our country has produced, but may now be going through a tough time due to the circumstances they have found themselves in.

“To have members of the public take on Stirling’s Toughest during Poppy Appeal is very fitting as they take on the tough challenge to raise vital funds for our life-changing work.”

Event organiser Scott Fraser said entries for the race were now open and added: “This year we are partnering with Poppy Scotland as part of their #extramile campaign where you can run, remember and do some fundraising. The event starts at 11am and uses the hilly trails around Stirling Castle – you can run, walk or crawl making it something of a social adventure.

“For this event we have an entry limit of 150 so we advise entering fast to avoid disappointment.”

Edinburgh’s Toughest was the first event in 2016, which saw competitors battle their way up Arthur’s Seat.

The idea behind ‘Toughest’ was to bring multi-terrain challenges to Scotland’s city centres, making them accessible by public transport without those taking part and their families needing to travel far into the countryside.

This year, there are four locations from which to choose: Perth, Edinburgh, Stirling and Glasgow.

This year we are partnering with Poppy Scotland