Hundreds set to turn out for 10k
Public urged to sign up for huge running event
Stirling celebrates the hosting of its 21st 10K race later this year.
Organisers are hoping to attract a field of more than 1,000 runners for the Sunday September 11 event, ranging from top club athletes right through to people who just want to challenge themselves to complete the distance.
This year also sees the return of the 2k fun run for children aged 7 to 14.
Organised by Central Athletics Club, and sponsored by local tech company Podfather, this year’s race offers something for everyone.
“If you have always wanted to attempt a 10k race this is a great one to try as it’s a relatively flat and very scenic route,” said Lewis Millar, Stirling 10k race director.
“This year we are delighted to be able to offer something for everyone. We have an extensive prize list for our winners but this year we have introduced a number of spot prizes to be given to Stirling Council residents only. These spot prizes will be totally random so everyone has the same chance at a prize.”
This year’s run is sponsored by Edinburgh-tech company Podfather. Well known in the tech industry for developing software solutions that help large logistics and construction fleets to run more efficiently. Podfather have also picked up awards for their employment practices which put staff culture and wellbeing at the core of the business.
“The connection between physical exercise and mental wellbeing are well documented,” said Colin Mccreadie, managing director at Podfather.
“As a keen runner myself I am delighted that we can support this local event. It’s a great run with a flat and fast course so I encourage anyone who’s ever wanted to give a 10k a try to sign up and give it a go.”
For those who think 10k is just that bit too far for them, help is at hand in the form of 10k training plans. The well-known NHS ‘Couch to 5k’ is a great place to start for those that are new to running and with over four months before the actual race day there is plenty of time to dig out your running shoes and kick start your training.
“10k is not an insurmountable distance even for the newest of runners,” added Millar. “Slow and steady is the best approach, so starting with small runs, interspersed with periods of walking, is a great way to start building your fitness levels. Before long you’ll be racking up the kilometres.”
The course route offers participants fantastic views of Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument, and the Ochil Hills. With pace setters, pipers, cheerleaders, on course music and post-race physio for all entrants this year’s race organisers are gearing up for a bigger, better race than ever before.
All entrants will be given the option of a race t-shirt or thanks to a partnership with the company Trees not Tees organisers can plant a tree in an entrant’s name. You will be issued with a certificate showing your name, species of tree planted, a photograph of the tree and it’s location. There are many prizes up for grabs and goodie bags for all finishers.
Sign up online by visiting https://www.entrycentral.com/Podfatherstirling10kand2k.
For the 10k race it’s competitively priced - £18 if you sign up before June 12, with discounted rates available for club runners. For the 2k fun run it’s a £5 sign up fee.