Fundraising success for Run Garioch participants
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Inverurie’s Garioch Sports Centre (GSC) welcomed hundreds of runners of all ages to the first Run Garioch in over three years on Sunday morning.
The family-friendly event, last held in March 2019, is a major fundraiser for the Garioch Sports Trust, the charity supporting the GSC.
Speaking at the end of a very successful day, Race Director Graham Morrison said, “It was so good to be back hosting a real-life event.
"The Race Committee and GSC staff have worked so hard over the last year to bring Run Garioch 2022 together.
"It was wonderful to see their hard work pay off and be appreciated by so many people on the day.”
Morrison added, “We are also so grateful for the continued support of our sponsors and patrons, whose generosity even in difficult times allows the event to continue.”
The day’s excitement started with 22-year-old Aaron Odentz (Aberdeen Amateur Athletic Club) taking the win in the PMC 5K – his first of the day.
His time, 15.11, set a new course record.
The Garioch Sports Centre’s own Jamie Reid, organiser of the afternoon’s CP&Co. Junior Run came third, in a new personal best time (16.43).
Just over a minute later, Chloe Gray of Metro Aberdeen took the women’s title (18.03).
Less than hour after crossing the 5K finish line, Odentz then set off on the Dandara 10K.
While not quite fast enough to break Kenny Wilson’s 2016 course record (32.32), Odentz’ time of 32.54 put him a minute clear of his closest rival. Metro Aberdeen’s Nicola Macdonald won the women’s race (36.55).
The Garioch Sports Half Marathon was won by Metro’s Jason Kelly (1.14.14), with Banchory's Rosa Donaldson of Glasgow University (1.29.02) taking the women’s title and 15th place overall.
The 700 runners taking part in the Dandara 10K shared in a poignant pre-race moment as they joined in a round of applause in memory of Paul Douglas, a long-time friend of Run Garioch and the Garioch Sports Trust, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 65.
Paul’s wife Gillian was present to witness the runners’ appreciation of her husband’s incredible support of the Inverurie community, and set the runners off on their journey, assisted by Claire Bathgate from sponsors Dandara.
Bathgate, Head of Sales at Dandara Aberdeen, commented: “Today was an absolutely amazing day.
The weather was fantastic, and it was terrific to see so many people taking part.
There was so much support for the runners from all the well-wishers who cheered them along every single step of the way.
She added, “But there are other reasons why this was such a special day.
"Not only was it incredible to see the 10K taking place in real life after the virtual challenge last year, marking a return to a more normal way of living after the pandemic, but we are also celebrating a decade of Dandara’s support of Run Garioch, a significant milestone for us and something that is very close to our hearts.”
Nearly 600 children under the age of 12 took part in the afternoon’s CP&Co. Junior Runs.
The GSC’s mascot Garioch played his part in encouraging every one of them across the Strathburn Park finish line.
Attending his first Run Garioch, Simon Hudson, Commercial Director of PMC Property and Lettings, said, “We were delighted to become title sponsors of the 5K this year, and hope to
continue this support for many years to come.
"It was wonderful to see so many enthusiastic runners in each of the three title races, including the PMC 5K.
“It was also a fantastic day for the local community and fun for all the family.
"It was great to see so many kids involved throughout the day and having fun."
Hudson added, “A big well done to everyone involved in organising the event.
"Their hard work really paid off."
In addition to six races, Run Garioch also featured a bustling event village, with fundraising stalls and activities from the Gordon District Scouts heading to the World Scout Jamboree in
South Korea (2023), charity partner Charlie House, Colony Park Football Club and Morrisons Community Champion.
Team Ecosse Northboats, Garioch Roadrunners and Cycling Scotland were also on hand to promote their sports and activities.
Hungry runners looking to refuel after their efforts were well looked after by Davidson’s Butchers, Moll’s Lil Bakery and Little Miss Whippy – who had to call in reinforcements to cope with demand for ice cream in the beautiful race-day weather.
Making Run Garioch sustainable both financially and in terms of the environment was very important to the 2022 Race Committee.
The race water stations were stocked with water drawn from recyclable boxes and poured into recyclable cups, the t-shirts were made from recycled plastic and the trophies made from wood by local supplier Recognition Express.
While the money raised from entries, vendor donations and sponsor support goes directly to the GST, Run Garioch’s partner charities, Charlie House, Clan and Inspire, will share nearly £500-worth of donations from runners, collected at the bag drop and bouncy castle.
Alana Welsh from Clan, which manages the event bag drop, said, “It was amazing to be back at Run Garioch, and see everyone enjoy themselves after such a long time apart.
“We’re grateful to everyone who took part to support Clan, and being part of this hugely successful local event is something we’re very proud of.”
Fundraisers from Run Garioch’s partner charities also had a phenomenal day.
Andrew Reid, Development Manager at Inspire, who provide the volunteers to staff the water stations on the 10K and half-marathon routes said: "It was so good to see our supporters back out representing Inspire at an in-person event again after the challenges of the last couple of years.
“We had more than 20 runners take part, raising in excess of £6500 towards Inspire's work supporting adults with learning disabilities across the north-east.
“Pre-Covid Run Garioch was a staple in our fundraising events calendar and it’s great to see it back up and running again.
"We’re already looking forward to next year"
Reflecting on his first Run Garioch as the new Chair of the Garioch Sports Trust, Scott Miskelly said, “It was fantastic to see people from across Scotland flock to the Garioch Sports Centre to participate in this amazing community event.
“With all the funds raised today going toward the non-profit Garioch Sports Centre, I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to all the runners, our supportive community and sponsors, our race committee and the fantastic marshals and volunteers that this event relies on for its success.
“We’re all looking forward to 2023, and I know the committee already have the planning wheels in motion for an even better race day next year.”
