Runners from across Scotland are encouraged to get their running shoes on and sign up for this year’s Inverness Half Marathon & 5K Fun Run, which take place on Sunday 8 March. Entries for the popular races, which take in the sights and sounds of the Highland capital, close at midnight this Tuesday, 17 February.
With hundreds of participants of all ages and abilities already registered for the two races, Inverness will be buzzing with excitement as runners take to the much-loved scenic route.
Race director Malcolm Sutherland says, “We’re delighted to see so many runners registering to take part in both the Inverness Half Marathon and the 5K Fun Run. By offering two distances, we hope to offer something for everyone – from seasoned runners to those new to running or looking for a shorter distance – and we fully expect a final flurry of entrants as the closing date for entries draws nearer.
“The half marathon route is perfect for runners looking to step up to a half marathon and also those training for a full marathon later in the year.
“The 5K is open to all ages including children and offers an achievable goal that everyone can aim for. Whether they want to run, jog or walk, it’s all about keeping fit and having fun.”
Hundreds of runners taking part in both races will raise thousands of pounds for good causes across the country, with many charities and voluntary groups benefitting from the participants’ generosity. Official charity Highland Hospice, the only hospice to offer adult care in the Highlands of Scotland, will have a number of runners taking part to raise funds for its £4.5m rebuild appeal, which will double the size of the inpatient unit.
This year’s half marathon could also be a record breaker, as one athlete attempts to become the fastest half marathon runner in a mascot suit. Kenny Steele – chief executive officer of Highland Hospice – will attempt to complete the 13.1 miles dressed as their cuddly mascot, Bobby the Bee. He is aiming to beat the time of 1.46.27 set at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon in 2011 by Jefferson the Dog.
More information about the Inverness Half Marathon & 5K Fun Run, which takes place on Sunday 8 March, is available atwww.invernesshalfmarathon.co.
The 2015 Inverness ½ Marathon & 5K Fun Run take place onSunday, 8th March. Anyone wanting to take part in either of the races can enter online at www.invernesshalfmarathon.co.
Connect with the event at: www.facebook.com/
The 2015 event is supported by Highland Spring, Clif Bar and Run4It.
The official charity for 2015 is the Highland Hospice. Highland Hospice is the only hospice caring for adults in the Highlands of Scotland. Every year, through in patient care, day therapy services, bereavement support and by providing expert advice to GP’s and community nurses across the region, our staff and volunteers support around 700 patients and their families living with a terminal illness.
We are currently in the midst of the Project Build Appeal to rebuild our In Patient Unit on Ness Walk in Inverness. A successful appeal will allow us to double the size of the current In Patient Unit on our riverside site, upgrade our Day Therapies Centre, provide a quiet sanctuary room and increase space for physiotherapy, occupational therapy and bereavement support. The new building will house more single rooms and improved family accommodation, and provide the scope to develop innovative virtual hospice services which will help extend the reach of hospice care throughout the Highlands.
We need the support of the Highland community now more than ever. Our Project Build Appeal needs to raise a further £1.6m to reach our target of £4.5m to fund the rebuild project. This is in addition to the regular fundraising needed to provide our day-to-day services. Our ambition is to provide the highest level of care to patients and their families across the Highlands and your support at this time and in the future is hugely important to us. For further information, visit www.highlandhospice.org