Race director's thoughts on Aviemore's run weekend
Apologies and thanks went out from Aviemore’s Badaguish Outdoor Centre following the 11 annual Aviemore Half Marathon and 10k For All.
It turned out to be not quite 10k for all when the race took place on Sunday (October 16), due to a stewarding error.
Reviewing the event on Tuesday (19) race director Andrew Mackenzie told the Strathy: “We are very grateful to Forestry Commission, Northern Constabulary, Highland Council and Alba Traffic for the help and hard work that went into planning and preparation to make the day run smoothly.
“We are especially grateful to Aviemore businesses for their support.”
Despite a dull day more than 300 runners took part in the Macdonald Mile Fun Run on the Saturday.
“This is always a great opportunity for the whole family to get out and warm up for the excitement of the Half Marathon and 10K next day,” said Mr Mackenzie.
A lucky window of clear weather on the Sunday meant a turnout of 1270 competitors for the Half Marathon and 701 for the 10K.
“It is Speyside Trust’s most popular charity event and this represent a small increase of 160 entrant for each race.
“Sadly,” the directdor went on, “at the moment we’re busy contacting all 10K competitors to apologise for a stewarding error that resulted in runners taking shortcut.
“It’s our 11 year running the event and it was a simple misunderstanding for which there is no excuse.
“Its been upsetting to disappoint the runners and we’ve been grateful for many messages of support. The event helps Speyside Trust to pay for over 200 respite care holidays at Badaguish Holiday Care Centre.
“A heartfelt thank you to all our helpers. Over 70 volunteers on the day turned out to support the event as stewards and helpers. We are very grateful for outstanding local support from volunteer helpers and from many local businesses who provide hands on assistance to help make the event happen.”
Badaguish’s special thanks went to Macdonald Hotels - “They provide a perfect venue in the Osprey Arena finish line for the race in front of the Strathspey Hotel” – and the local SWRI for an early start at Badaguish to provide tea and shortbread for all the competitors. Also thanked were the Forestry Commission, Northern Constabulary, Highland Council, Alba Traffic, Glenmore Lodge, Stagecoach, Run 4 It, Speyside Distillery, Walkers Shortbread, Macallan Whisky and Heilan Loos.
