It’s not often that a homegrown Commonwealth Games silver medallist plays second fiddle but they do not often have 10 cute Scottie dogs for competition.
Fresh from the Glasgow 2014 opening ceremony, the cuddly canines joined swimmer Stephen Milne on stage on Perth’s North Inch to open the city’s Kilt Run.
Photo gallery: Perth Kilt Run
Organisers had hoped to see as many as 2,014 kilt-clad competitors take part in a bid to smash the record set in 2012 by namesake Perth, in Ontario, Canada.
In the end, they had to be satisfied with a little more than 1,060 runners but bright sunshine ensured the event was a success.
The run itself began with a mascot race featuring PKAVS Parrot, stilt-wearing Big Ronnie (apparently running for all men over six foot), Super Saint, Cobblers the Clown and Kilt Run mascot Hairy McKilty.
It was won not at all suspiciously by the latter.
Next to cross the start line were the Glasgow 2014 Scottie dogs and their tartan-clad owners the four-legged runners went as fast as their wee legs would carry them.
The 1,000-strong field was then sent on its way by race director Bob Ellis, thanks to the Blairgowrie and the Glens councillor’s judicious use of his hooter.
Among their number were three Shrek lookalikes, a knight in armour and the Absurdist Pipe Band, along with a number of mothers running with pushchairs.
Last to start was Live Active Leisure’s Kerr Smith, who arrived at a run minutes after the race began and set off at a sprint dodging crowds and a pushchair in hand to catch up with the back markers.
First across the line, well ahead of the rest of the runners and in a new course time of just 16 minutes and six seconds, was Michael Carroll from Scone.
The 43-year-old decided to take part at the last moment and blew the rest away, though he was clad in a rather short kilt.
The IT expert said: “I’d asked my nine-year-old daughter Isla last week if she’d like to take part but I think she was a bit spooked by the number of people taking part.
“When it came to the day I decided that I’d do it myself and for a laugh I thought I’d borrow Isla’s kilt.
“It’s a bit small but I think it turned out to be a great idea as it was nice and light compared to those worn by others!”
As the race wound down, attention turned to carnival rides and soft play, stalls and music, heavy events and the Quack Commandos duck display team.
The highlight for many was, however, the chance to have their pictures taken with the Scotties and local hero Stephen Milne.