Forest set to host new event

Ashleigh Burns • Published 26 Jan 2012 08:00 0 Comments

KINCARDINE will play host to a new running event in the Devilla Forest organised by the Dunfermline-based Carnegie Harriers.

The event on Sunday 26 February will provide the opportunity for participants to run off-road, experiencing the different conditions and challenges that trail running can offer.

Two races will be available on the day, a 5K and 15K, which means that runners of all abilities can put themselves through their paces.

Running club members Andrew Wright and Allan Macaulay are the driving force behind the sporting event.

At the beginning of December Andrew came up with the idea of using the forest as a location for a trail run and he suggested it to Allan, who heads up the Harriers' off-road running committee.

Speaking to the Advertiser Andrew said, "I already organise a couple of hill running events throughout the year off my own back. I always thought the Devilla Forest would be a good place for a race around it."

He said the event was for everyone and explained the appeal, "It's on forestry track. It's just different because you are uproad and going through the trees and the conditions underfoot can affect the run. So if it's been raining a lot it could be quite testing underfoot. There's a different appeal."

The organised event will be signposted and the hope is that it will allow people to become familiar with the forest, meaning they are confident enough to return on their own at a later date.

Allan said, "Possibly people won't feel totally comfortable running on their own and a lot of people don't know the forest as it's huge and they might get lost. A lot of people have mentioned that it's great for running but not if it's not sign posted."

Applications for a place have been received from all over the country ranging from Aberdeen and Devonshire, to various areas in Central Scotland.

Over 140 people have registered for the event in the three weeks it has been open to applications, and upwards of 300 people are expected to take part.

If it proves popular it will become a regular event, Allan said, "If it's successful we definitely want to repeat it an make it an annual event. And the response so far, the applications are coming in very fast."

He added, "We want people to enjoy a good, sociable race - that's really what we're saying. To enjoy the benefits of running off-road."

Sponsors of the event are Sweatshop, Edinburgh and the Harviestoun Brewery in Alva which is giving away a free bottle of beer to everyone who registers.

Prices for registration are £4/£6 (5K) and £9/£11 (15K). Registration can be completed on the day at the Scottish Police College, Tulliallan, where the races both start and finish or online at http://entrycentral.com/index.php?festivalID=240

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This article appeared in Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser 25 Jan 12

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