WITH less than eight weeks to go, time is running out for competitors to sign up for the Dandara 5k and family fun day which supports the rejuvenation of the much-loved Hazlehead Park in Aberdeen.
The event, now in its third year, will attract around 1,300 runners in total with spaces available for youngsters and adults in the Dandara 5k, 1k and 2k children\'s races and a 600m fun run.
Organisers Friends of Hazlehead and Sport Aberdeen are encouraging runners - including corporate teams and charity groups - to channel their inner superhero and wear their favourite character’s costumes to the running festival.
Money raised in previous years has contributed to funding the creation of memory paths, the replanting of the Queen Mother Rose Garden, the restoration of the fountain and the revamp of pets corner, which this week welcomed a new pigmy goat.
The races take place on Saturday, September 3.
Donald Shaw, chairman of the Friends of Hazlehead, said: “The Dandara 5k and family fun day is a huge celebration of Hazlehead Park, which is regarded by many Aberdonians as the best outdoor space in the city.
“We are so lucky to have this stunning park and events like this really help us raise much needed funds to ensure we can maintain and enhance the area to make it a place where people can enjoy spending time.
“We are hugely grateful to Dandara for their continued sponsorship and to Sport Aberdeen for helping us to get ready for the big day. We can’t wait to see everyone in their superhero costumes at the starting line on Saturday, September 3.”
Dandara’s sales manager in Aberdeen, Peter Best, said: “The Friends of Hazlehead is a group of local people who are truly dedicated to protecting and enhancing Hazlehead Park so we’re thrilled to once again to be offering our support to this year’s event.
“Team Dandara will be taking part on the day and we hope to join many other workplaces from across Aberdeen who are looking to take part in a team challenge with their colleagues and enjoy what is always a great day out for people of all ages and running abilities.”
The starting gun will go off for the first race at 9.30am and the event will continue into the afternoon with catering and entertainment available for all the family.
The first female and male winners of the 5k will be awarded £100 with second and third place runners receiving trophies. The top three male and female runners in the children’s 1k and 2k races and the first boy and girl to complete the fun run will be presented trophies, and there will be additional spot prizes awarded for best costumes.
For more information and to register please visit www.friendsofhazlehead.co.uk or email friendsofhazlehead@gmail.com.