A new, later spring date has been set for the Run with the Wind Half Marathon, with places selling fast. At time of writing, fewer than 150 of the 400 available race places were still available for the event, which will now be held on Sunday, 9 May. 

Organised by South Lanarkshire-based Strathaven Striders, the Run with the Wind is a rural point to point race, starting and finishing at Kirkland Park. The first six miles take runners up an ‘undulating steady climb’, before dropping them back into a ‘largely undulating’ downhill finish. Passing through woodland and rural areas, the route itself offers panoramic views over the Clyde Valley Basin, passing the Whitelees Windfarm – Europe’s largest – around the half-way point. 

Although the event has been moved from its traditional February date to late spring, as the race takes places in exposed, elevated terrain reaching 323 m, participants are still expected to be suitably attired for the time of year and local conditions on the day. 

The chip-timed race is accurately measured to 13.1 miles and features 225m of elevation gain overall. 

The 2019 edition of the Run with the Wind Half Marathon was won by Douglas Roberts of Cambuslang Harriers (1.14.42). Fife AC’s Sheena Logan placed 13th overall (1.26.45), and first female finisher. The 2020 edition of the event was cancelled due to coronavirus.    

Entries to the 2021 race will close on 2 May, with none to be taken on the day.

Strathaven Striders also organise the John Lucas Memorial Ultra and Relay (31 July 2021). The 46-mile route, which starts and finishes at the Strathaven Brewery, can be completed solo or in teams of two or five.  

Image courtesy: Scottish Power (Whitelee Windfarm Facebook)