Test of endurance on North Inch loop
Top athletes will be competing in high-profile race
We will have top Scottish runners aiming for GB selection and mere mortals trying to get round and have fun Adrian Stott
The Perth public is being encouraged to show their support for a high-profile ultra running race this weekend.
On Sunday, the 2022 Anglo Celtic Plate event takes place around the scenic North Inch’s 2.381km loop.
There will be the 100km race which incorporates the annual Anglo Celtic Plate home countries event, as well as the Scottish 100km road championship and the British 100km championship.
The 50km race, meanwhile, incorporates the Scottish 50km championship.
Some of the country’s finest ultra runners will be in attendance and pulling on the Scotland vest.
But both distances also offer up an ‘open’ entry.
Race coordinator Adrian Stott, a well-respected ultra running figure, told the PA: “We will have top Scottish runners aiming for GB selection and mere mortals trying to get round and have fun.
“You are seeing participants coming round every 15 or so minutes, so you really have a lot of contact to support.
“The ultra running community is a very family-friendly one. The fast runners have respect for the slow runners.”
Adrian revealed that the Fair City’s North Inch is the “perfect” venue.
He explained: “The Anglo Celtic Plate circulates around the home countries - Scotland, England, Ireland, Wales.
“Every few years it is Scotland’s turn to host. We have hosted it in Edinburgh before.
“But the course at the North Inch is perfect for what the guys and girls are doing. That is trying to run a very long way on a flat course that does not have many twists and turns.
“All of the locals in Perth will know that the loop is well-used by runners and walkers.
“It’s a great venue for an ultra race. The atmosphere builds up every lap as you watch people move around.
“In ultra racing, you have a lot of events on the trail these days.
“But doing a road loop is a bit more intense in some ways - harder on the muscles.”
Speaking from experience, Adrian knows more than most what it takes to complete 50km and 100km tests of endurance.
“I used to run at a fairly competent level but now I also help organise things,” he smiled.
“I help mentor a few ultra runners at all levels and, anyone involved in coaching, will tell you they get a buzz out of seeing people achieving their goals. That is incredibly gratifying.
“You need to train for these races and get your nutrition right. But the mindset is everything. Having the inner belief that you can do it.
“Even the really experienced runners will, at some point, have a low patch. It’s how you deal with that.
“We can’t all win the darn thing but just finishing a 100km race is an achievement in itself.”
There may well be scope for Perth to play host to large-scale ultra running events on a more regular basis.
Adrian noted: “My own club, Sri Chinmoy, is based down in Edinburgh. We have headed to Perth five times now.
“This year we have been absolutely gobsmacked by the interest. Entries are well up on previous years.
“It got me thinking that, maybe, we could have this more often.”
The 100km event begins at 7am on Sunday, while the 50km starts at 10am.