School children from across Aberdeen City and Shire are being encouraged to stay active during the summer holidays and sign up for this year’s Dandara 5k and family fun day.
Volunteers from local charity the Friends of Hazlehead have been visiting local schools with Sport Aberdeen’s Active Schools Team to talk to pupils about keeping fit, and the running festival which takes place at Hazlehead Park on Saturday, September 9, 2017.
The popular event, which supports the rejuvenation of the much-loved Hazlehead Park in Aberdeen, still has spaces available for runners looking to take part in this year’s Dandara 5k; 1k and 2k children's races, and the 600m fun run.
Money raised in previous years has contributed to the creation of memory paths, the regeneration of the Queen Mother Rose Garden, restoration of the fountain and major upgrades to Pet’s Corner, which is now home to Vader the giant python.
This year the event will take on a Wild West theme with runners being encouraged to don their Stetsons and cowboy shirts for the day, with prizes being awarded for the best costumes.
Friends of Hazlehead chairman, Donald Shaw, said: “With the summer holidays upon us, we have been working with the Active Schools Team to give pupils ideas about how they can stay active during their time off.
“The Dandara 5k and family fun day gives young runners a great opportunity to compete in a fun local event – and there’s plenty of time over the summer to get some training in before the big day.”
Dandara’s sales manager in Aberdeen, Peter Best, said: “Last year’s event attracted hundreds of school pupils from across Aberdeen City and Shire so we’re hoping to see another strong attendance from young runners this year.
“In Aberdeen we are very lucky to have so many beautiful open spaces to exercise in, with Hazlehead Park undoubtedly being one of the most picturesque. Team Dandara is already in training and looking forward to what we’re sure will be another fantastic day.”
Runners have until September 4, 2017 to sign up for the race online, and they can also sign up on the day of the event if they pay in cash at the registration area. Races start from 9.30am on the day.
The event will continue into the afternoon with catering and entertainment available for all the family including performances from Bon Accord Brass Band, face painting and a bouncy castle.
The first female and male winners of the 5k will be awarded a £100 voucher for the Running Shop, with second and third place receiving trophies. The top three male and female runners in the children’s 1k and 2k races; and first boy and girl to complete the fun run will be presented with trophies.
For more information and to register please visit www.friendsofhazlehead.co.uk or email friendsofhazlehead@gmail.com