SPECTATORS at the Alloa Half Marathon will be able to spot a squirrel amongst the flock of runners at the race this weekend.

Donning a furry tail and a set of ears, Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface (CTSI) manager Anthea Coulter will be amongst the nearly 3,500 competitors when she tackles the local race for the first time.

She will be taking on mile after mile to raise the profile of volunteering in the Wee County alongside new CTSI volunteering mascot Super Sandy.

Anthea said: “I started running a few years ago and completed the Bristol Bath Marathon at the end of 2015.

“I had signed up last year for the Alloa Half, but sadly did not train enough over the winter so this year I am a bit more prepared and looking forward to taking part.”

She was encouraged by colleagues to dress up and said: “When I said to the staff I was running, in a mad moment I agreed to not only take Sandy along for the ride, but also wear a squirrel tail and ears – not only that I am putting on some ‘superhero-style pants’ that are produced by a social enterprise in Glasgow that supports women so I’m certainly going to get noticed and hope that helps encourage others to sign up to volunteer locally.”

Anthea, who will be joined by her husband, is hoping for some good weather for all the runners, adding: “Running makes me feel great – I am not fast and never will be and will be way behind my hubbie, but the fun of running alongside other people and the excitement of finishing all adds to improving my wellbeing.”

For information about local volunteering opportunities, and to register, email admin@ctsi.org.uk or call Louise Orr or Danielle Hill on 01259 213 840.