Running enthusiasts looking to take on this year’s Dandara 10k are being urged to contact Run Garioch’s charity partners as officials announce the race, along with the 5k, is now sold out.
Those who missed out on a place in the Dandara 10k may still be able to take part by contacting Aberlour Trust, Aberdeen FC Community Trust, Befriend a Child, Inspire Partnership, Clan, Cash For Kids or Charlie House. All have guaranteed entries to the event, even after the official closing date.
In return for the guaranteed places, each of these charity partners support Run Garioch by fulfilling volunteer roles on the day and assisting with the development of the event village. This year, the organisers of Inverurie’s biggest sporting event will welcome more than 3200 participants to the Garioch Sports Centre on Sunday, March 26, including around 1000 budding young athletes from schools across the City and Shire.
Eleven schools have already submitted bulk entries in the hope of winning one of the two schools prizes.
There are still a limited number of places available in the Half-Marathon and Junior Run distances before registration closes on Sunday, February 26.
Race director Eric Simpson said: “We’re pleased to see so many runners taking the chance to sign up for this year’s event in advance and we expect the remaining places for the Half-Marathon and Junior Run to be snapped up very quickly.
“Following the success of last year’s official charity partnerships initiative, we’re honoured to continue working with a group of inspiring organisations who help thousands of people in the North-east.
“Each of these charities is assigned a number of places in the race, so I’d encourage anyone who didn’t manage to register in time to contact one of these organisations and find out how they can sign up and support one of these fantastic causes.”
In a change from previous years, Run Garioch 2017 will start with the EBLAST 5k at 9.30am, followed by the Dandara 10k, Half-Marathon and Junior Run.
With the event taking place on Mother’s Day, there will be plenty of treats available for any mums attending, with Davidson’s Butchers of Inverurie and Fly Cup in charge of the catering. There will also be free entertainment on offer for children in the event village.
Award-winning housebuilder Dandara is proudly supporting the 10k once again. This year the female and male winners of the 10k will be awarded £100, with second and third place runners receiving £75 and £25 respectively and there will be a further £25 prize for the AB51 fastest runner. In addition there will also be trophies for the fastest team of four taking part in the 10k local business challenge, the fastest running club, the fastest secondary-school and the fastest secondary school male and female runners.
Dandara's sales manager in Aberdeen, Peter Best, said: “The Garioch Sports Trust do an amazing job organising this much loved event, which continues to grow every year.
“It’s a great opportunity to get out, get active and support some incredible local charities. Team Dandara is currently in training for the big day and we’re looking forward to joining lots of runners at the starting line on Sunday, March 26, 2017.”
Garioch Sports Trust, the registered charity formed in 1990 to manage the Garioch Sports Centre and encourage local residents to develop an interest in sporting activities and exercise, organises the event.
All funds raised by Run Garioch support the Garioch Sports Trust in providing sporting facilities and opportunities for local residents. Funds from previous Run Garioch races have enabled the construction of a world-class 3G football pitch, renovations to the Sports Centre, the purchase of gym equipment, coaching for the Garioch Gazelles junior running club and the construction of additional on-site parking.
For more details on the event and to find out about how you can register with one of the official charity partners, please visit www.rungarioch.co.uk