Hundreds of the toughest runners braved the first-ever Highland Perthshire Marathon and Half Marathon at the weekend, raising thousands of pounds for good causes.
Organised by the Rotary Club of Aberfeldy and District, Provost Elizabeth Grant took on the role of starter for the races on Saturday which started in Aberfeldy .
To celebrate the 2012 Olympics, the organisers had asked local torchbearer Kelly James to lead a parade of all the runners along Aberfeldy’s Poplar Avenue to the start line by the fairway of the town’s golf club.
The provost, who accompanied Kelly, said: ”In this Olympic year, when sporting endeavour is in the forefront of everyone’s minds, I wished all the runners the very best of luck and I hope the event raised a lot of money for good causes.”
The entrants were running in support of a range of worthy local and national charities, including the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), Maggie’s Centres, RSABI (which helps people who have worked in farming and other land-based industries), ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS), Cardiac Risk in the Young, The Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice and Build Africa.
Local elected member Councillor Mike Williamson was fulsome in his praise for the event.
”I would like to congratulate the members of the Aberfeldy and District Rotary Club for all their hard work in organising another successful sporting event for August in Highland Perthshire,” he said.
”I hope this marathon and half marathon will become an annual event, bringing more people into the area to enjoy the scenery and the facilities we offer.”
Runners have also been praising the organisers for the success of the event.
Morag Anderson was one of many posting on the Facebook page, and said: “Many, many thanks for organising such a tremendous event. It was, by far, one of the best running events I have participated in.
“The marshalls were well positioned and very encouraging, the post-race support team in the marquee were exceptionally generous and the general atmosphere was so friendly and welcoming. Already looking forward to 2013!”
Perthshire North MSP John Swinney was among those on hand to cheer on the runners as they set off.
”This is an excellent new event and one well suited to this wonderful environment surrounding us here in Aberfeldy,” he said. ”I’m confident of significant cash benefits for the associated charities.
”I hope this will become an annual fixture in the Perthshire outdoor calendar, which can only add to the growing reputation of Perthshire as a first-class outdoor destination.”
MP Pete Wishart was at the finishing line at The Black Watch monument, where he was greeting runners and presenting some of the medals.
”The organisers have done a fantastic job,” he said. ”A massive well done is due to Bill Bruce’s team from the local Rotary and everybody else from throughout the community who have worked extremely hard.
”I hope fun was had by all and most importantly plenty of funds were raised for charity.”
For more information, including results, visit www.highlandperthshiremarathon.co.uk.
The date of next year’s event has already been announced September 7.