IT’S all hands on track as the eagerly anticipated Dandara 5k and family fun day is confirmed to return on Saturday, September 29 – with a pirate theme running through this year’s festival of cross-country racing this year.
Runners can now register for the swashbuckling athletic event, with spaces available in the 5k, 2k and 1k children’s races, and the 600m fun run.
Organisers, Dandara and Friends of Hazlehead aim to build on the thousands of pounds already raised in aid of the Friends of Hazlehead since the inaugural races were held in 2014.
And they are encouraging participants to don an eye patch and pirate hat for the day, which raises money to supports Friends of Hazlehead in revitalising the popular Hazlehead Park in Aberdeen.
The event has contributed to the creation of memory paths, regeneration of the Queen Mother Rose Garden, restoration of the fountain and upgrades to the much-loved Pet’s Corner. Funding has also supported community events such as the annual Winter Wonderland in Hazlehead Park.
The 180-hectare park, one of the oldest community spaces in Aberdeen, boasts open areas with stunning flower gardens and children’s play area. Football pitches and two golf courses also surround the area as well as woods which are popular with dog walkers, cyclists and runners.
Dandara’s sales director in Aberdeen, Peter Best, said: “The 5k is a race the Dandara crew love to get involved in, and we can’t wait to join the hundreds of runners we hope will turn out in their pirate gear in support of Friends of Hazlehead once again this year.
“I’m sure there’ll be plenty of shouts of ‘aye aye matey’ and ‘avast ye landlubbers’ among those runners who turn up to walk – or run – the park in costume.”
Barbara Jones of the Friends of Hazlehead, said: “As a group, we are dedicated to the continued improvement of Hazlehead Park facilities to ensure the site remains an inviting and popular space for the local community.
“This event could not happen without the continued support of Dandara and the family fun day is always a highlight in our calendar. We look forward to welcoming runners of all ages to what we know will be a brilliant day for the whole family.”
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 including face painting and a bouncy castle.
First female and male finishers of the 5k will be awarded prizes as well as an addition trophy for the best dressed on the day.
For more information and to register please visit www.friendsofhazlehead.co.uk or email friendsofhazlehead@gmail.com.
