The pitter-patter of feet will resonate around the streets of the Highland capital this weekend as a record-breaking number of runners take part in the Inverness Half Marathon. And it’s hoped that a bumper crowd of spectators will head along to the city centre to cheer on seasoned athletes, charity runners and first-timers as they complete the 13.1-mile course on Sunday, March 8.
More than 125 volunteers from the local community will help out behind the scenes, and will give the field of runners from all over Scotland a real taste of Highland hospitality with a warm welcome and lots of encouragement. Race director Malcolm Sutherland says that the support from volunteers and members of the public is always something that the participants remark upon.
“The atmosphere on the day itself is just fantastic. Lots of the runners will have family and friends out on the route to shout encouragement, but the number of people who turn out just because they want to show their support always amazes us,” he said.
“It makes us incredibly proud that local people go out of their way to do this and I’m sure that it is one of the reasons why the Inverness Half Marathon will have a record-breaking field this year.
“The route is incredibly scenic and is ideal for those looking to record a personal best or step up to half-marathon distance for the first time, but it’s the support from the spectators that will really help to make it a memorable occasion. They have a key role to play on the day.”
More than 2,400 runners have registered to take part in the half marathon and they set off from the Bught Park at 12.30pm. Some of the best spectator points along the route are along the banks of the River Ness – runners will pass Ness Walk, Ness Bank and Island Bank Road on the way out and on the way back – and at the finish line at Queen’s Park Stadium.
Among the runners is one man with a sting in his tail – 47-year-old Kenny Steele, who will be dressed as a cuddly bee. Chief executive officer at the Highland Hospice, he’ll attempt to set a new world record for the fastest half-marathon time by a runner in a mascot suit. The current official world record is held by Jefferson the Dog, who completed the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon in a time of 1.46.27 in 2011.
Kenny hopes to beat that time, even although his costume is around 8ft tall, and raise lots of money for the hospice in the process.
“It’s going to be a new challenge for me personally and I really hope that Bobby the Bee and I can beat the world record.”
In addition to the half-marathon event, there is a 5K fun run which is open to all ages and abilities, including children accompanied by adults. A limited number of places for this will be available on the day. Registration opens at 9.30am and closes at noon – or sooner if the quota is filled. It starts at 12.45pm. Whether you are running or spectating, there will be plenty of entertainment in the arena, including music from a pipe band, while the sports hall will be home to a host of children’s inflatables.
For more information on all the events taking place in Inverness
on Sunday, visit the website www.invernesshalfmarathon.co.uk