Organisers want another huge turnout
Blairgowrie’s popular New Year’s Day Fun Run and Walk is back on January 1 for the 33rd year in a row.
And those behind the volunteerrun event are keen to encourage east Perthshire residents to dust off their trainers and get ready to take part in what is a great social occasion as well as a chance to work off some of the excesses of the festive season.
As well as great support from local people, the event also has a national and international feel as runners from as far afield as England, Australia and the USA often take part.
Last year’s event attracted over 420 runners and walkers of all ages and abilities, as well as 21 dogs, who enjoyed the 3.7 mile route, and saw two course records broken.
Blairgowrie’s Bob Ellis is one of the organisers of the fun run and walk.
He said: “Next year’s New Year’s Day Fun Run and Walk will be the 33rd running of this event. I think that to hold an event like this on New Year’s Day and never had to have cancelled it for whatever a reason must be exceptional.
“Also, for the same organising team to turn up year after year again is exceptional. We are a small team but we do take our duties seriously and at the same time enjoy all of the goodwill from all of the participants who turn up year after year as well.
“So, it is time to dust off those trainers and get into training. For the majority of those taking part, it is just that – taking part and possibly doing better than last year’s time. So the organising team look forward to seeing you all on New Year’s Day.”
Registration for the event is at Blairgowrie Town Hall on Brown Street and gets underway at 11am.
The walk will set off at 12.30pm with the run setting off at 1pm.
Entry is £2 per person, dogs or any pets taking part are free.
The route will see all participants turn right onto the High Street, head along Perth Street, Perth Road, turn left onto Golf Course Road, left onto Coupar Angus Road before turning left into the Wellmeadow and the finish line.
There will be stewards at the junctions and the finish will be staffed by the team who will take times for the first 10 men, first 10 ladies and the first boy and girl only.
Prizes and spot prizes along with soup and juice will be available after the event in the Town Hall.