Run Garioch returns for 2020
Entries are set to open at noon on Friday (15 November) for Run Garioch, one of Scotland’s most popular running festivals. The event, based in Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, attracts nearly 3500 runners of all ages and abilities across its six races.
The festival’s main race, the Dandara 10K, started life as ‘the Garioch 10K’ back in 2003. In 2011, organisers added 5k and half marathon distance races in response to popular demand, and subsequently rebranded the whole event ‘Run Garioch’.
The 2020 edition of Run Garioch, to be held on 29 March, will also serve as the 10th birthday celebrations for the two newest races. The 5K is currently sponsored by Kintore-based eGroup; the 600-runner strong Half Marathon remains without a sponsor.
Race director Graham Morrison told runABC Scotland online: “We’re very pleased to be able to open RG2020 for entries on Friday.
“It goes without saying that we're also very grateful to all the sponsors and patrons who have continued to support us through difficult times. A few sponsorship opportunities do remain – including the title sponsorship of the Half Marathon – and we’d love to hear from any businesses who’d like to get more involved in supporting the health and wellbeing of our local community.”
All proceeds from Run Garioch will benefit local charities as well as the host facility, the Garioch Sports Centre. The Centre itself is currently in the middle of a huge fundraising campaign to bring a state-of-the-art, three court indoor tennis facility to Inverurie in 2021.
A spokesperson for the GSC told runABC Scotland online: “We’re currently working with Tennis Scotland, the Judy Murray Foundation, Aberdeenshire Council and local tennis clubs to build our tennis workforce.
“The money raised by Run Garioch will help us achieve our goal of getting more young people involved in the sport, as well all as engaging all the ‘rusty racquets’ out there: those who used to play but who no longer do so.”
She added: “Tennis is great for fitness, and we hope the courts and associated facilities will be put to use by the town’s runners all year round too.”
Run Garioch 2020 will be supported by five charities: CLAN, Charlie House, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, Inspire PTL and Friends of the Neonatal Unit. All of these charities have guaranteed entries to the event, even after entries close or are sold out:
Image: 2019 Half Marathon start (courtesy Paul Douglas Pictures)
