A trip to Perthshire in early autumn is always a good idea, in fact a trip to Perthshire anytime of year is generally a good idea… but if you like running then The Auchterarder Running Festival (ARF) makes visiting the area over the weekend of 10/11 September a fantastic idea!   

The popular Running Festival is organised and delivered by local-based run club Five Star Active and consists of a 10K, Half Marathon and ‘famed’ Chilli Trail Race. 2022 will also see a Junior Fun Run become a part of the weekend’s events. 

The fun run is open to 4-15 year olds and will be approximately 1K; every finisher will get a medal and it's completely free to enter! Sounds like a great way to get the whole family involved in a weekend of running and when you hear that all entrants to any ARF event in 2022 can claim a free soft serve ice cream from The Auchter Larder on on the town's High Street - then you know it's definitely a winner! 

The half marathon route is new for 2022 due to a new starting and finishing area but organisers promise it will be just as scenic as ever - with runners rewarded with a tour of the town and surrounding countryside. Organisers commented: “The road based route has fast sections along with one challenging climb, we are sure you are going to love it!”

For those of you who need a bit more of a challenge, the festival’s infamous Double Dare will also return this year. But what does this entail I hear you all ask… well by completing both the 10K and the Half Marathon you'll become a Double Dare finisher - no mean feat! 

Those taking part will receive separate event specific medals for each of those races, plus two quality technical finishers t-shirts PLUS every Double Dare finisher will receive a unique extra finishers’ medal. Why not double dare your friends to take part, and join in the fun yourself - after all it will be double the fun! 

A spokesperson said: “We're so excited to welcome you all back to Auchterarder on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September for our long-awaited return to in-person racing after two years virtual! Grab yourself a place and join us in the Lang Toon this autumn!”

If you'd like to know more visit the event's Facebook page here. 

Image: Auchterarder Running Festival Facebook