Runners will have to dodge dinosaurs at an obstacle course in Aberdeenshire later this year.
Organisers of Glack Attack, an annual 5km mud run organised in aid of Friends of ANCHOR, have added a Jurassic twist to the upcoming event.
A life-like mechatronic T-rex and ‘Jurassic zone’ will be one of the main attractions on Saturday, October 5 as runners tackle various challenges including the ‘not-so-hot tub and ‘the wringer’.
Event organiser Stephen Ratcliffe said: “Each year we like to introduce some new obstacles to drive the event forward and keep it fresh for contestants who come from the north-east and beyond to take part. We hope this year’s Jurassic zone will do just that, helping to create some exciting and memorable moments across the 5k course.”
The 2m-tall, 4m-long T-rex will chase participants around the ‘Jurassic zone’ which will feature various other props, all provided by local events company Partybox, based in Blackburn.
The event, which caters for obstacle course pros and beginners alike, takes place on Glack Hill near Dunecht, Aberdeenshire.
The founders of Glack Attack are the Ratcliffe family – Marcia and John Ratcliffe and their son Stephen.
Marcia, who was an associate specialist haematologist for 32 years in the ANCHOR Unit before her retirement in 2015, set the event up in 2013 and brought Friends of ANCHOR on board as the official affiliated charity in 2015. Since then, £61,030 has been raised for the charity, which exists to support cancer and haematology patients in the north-east, Orkney and Shetland.
Carly Munro, finance and fundraising coordinator at Friends of ANCHOR, said: “Glack Attack is a highlight in our annual ‘challenge events’ calendar and we’re thrilled to once again be the chosen charity. The Ratcliffe family pour so much heart and energy into the course year on year, concocting and constructing new obstacles and bringing together all the elements to create a brilliant atmosphere on the day and challenges that cater for little ones, seasoned athletes and everyone in between.”
This year, funds raised at the mud run for Friends of ANCHOR will go towards the ANCHORED Together appeal to raise £2 million for the new ANCHOR centre which is set to open in 2021.
The ambitious fundraising will equip the building with a dedicated research suite and teaching facility and top-of-the-range fixtures and equipment, as well as new additions like a complementary therapy room, a teenage and young adult room, patient information space and a coffee lounge area.
Glack Attack welcomes participants aged eight and over to take on the full 5km Jurassic challenge. A shorter ‘mini run’ for little ones aged 3-7 will also take place.
To enquire about booking a place for the race, please email anchor@balmoral.co.uk.