Mad Dog 10K set to take town by storm
SOUTHPORT is on its marks and ready to go as the resort prepares to welcome thousands of runners for this Sunday’s Mad Dog 10K.
|More than 2,500 competitors are expected to run in this year’s event, with fun runners and rookies joining the more serious entrants at the starting line at 10.40am.
The runners will be treated to some of the town’s most beautiful views as the route takes participants along Southport’s scenic coastline, passing the pier and Marine Lake.
This year’s race is dubbed the “Game of Bones”. It is organised by Southport Hesketh Round Table, and all proceeds will go to local charities and causes.
Entries are closed but you can still enjoy the event and cheer on friends, family and other runners throughout the day.
Organiser Adrian Shandley said he was looking forward to another great event in this, the race’s fifth year.
He said: “There are lots of times when I think ‘is it worth it’ but then I remember that 99% of people in this world are wonderful.
“The relief when that starting gun goes off is incredible and there will be more than a few pints being drunk on Sunday afternoon in celebration.”
Throughout the week, members of the Southport Hesketh Round Table have worked tirelessly to complete the thousands of goody bags for runners.
Adrian proudly boasted that this year’s event bags and T-shirts were the best yet.
He said: “We are now very much into the ‘final prep’ stage with all the bags packed, the race numbers sent out and the car parking all sorted.
“We’ve got seven bands playing across the course which will be marshalled by 103 volunteers.”
More than £27,000 has been raised for local charities in the past four years, and Adrian fully expected this year’s total to reach £12,000.
He added: “I want to say a massive thank you to Southport’s councillors, the police and all the residents on Marshside Lane.
“The Mad Dog 10K really is a fantastic community event.”