Run Garioch opens for entries and announces date change
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Entries have opened for this year's Run Garioch event which will take place during May in Inverurie.
The race committee and the Garioch Sports Centre (GSC) have taken the decision to move the festival of running from its traditional March date to Sunday, May 15.
Award-winning housebuilders Dandara will be returning as sponsors of the flagship 10K event and CP&Co as sponsors of the three-race Junior Run.
Oldmeldrum-based property management company PMC has stepped up from its previous position as programme sponsor to lend its support to the 5K.
With no outside sponsorship forthcoming, the Garioch Sports Centre has become title sponsors of the half-marathon.
The Archie Foundation; Charlie House; Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland and Inspire PTL have also been confirmed as this year’s charity partners.
The driving force behind Run Garioch 2022, according to race director Graham Morrison, is sustainability – for the race itself, for the GSC and for the environment.
He said: “Despite the huge success of our Go Green for Garioch virtual event last year and the continued support of many of our sponsors and patrons, 2022 will be a tough year for Run Garioch.
"We will need the support of all our local runners, charities and businesses to ensure the sustainability of the event for 2023 and beyond.”
In order to ensure that as many runners as possible can take part in the event after what have been difficult financial times for many, entry fees for RG2022 have been reduced across the board.
Mr Morrison added: “From our point of view, Run Garioch 2022 is very much about us working in partnership with the community to help us all recover from the pandemic, in terms of rebuilding our mental and physical health, re-establishing community links and having the confidence to get involved.”
Kevin Bonarius, Garioch Sports Centre chief operating officer, is delighted to be welcoming runners back to the Inverurie facility in May.
He said: “The pandemic has highlighted how important it is to look after both our mental and our physical health.
"That makes the activities we provide for all ages and abilities at the GSC, a community sports and leisure centre, more important than ever.
“As a charity, the funds raised by Run Garioch are vital to ensure the GSC can continue to provide for the community, especially after nearly two years of reduced income.
“We are so grateful to everyone who supports Run Garioch, whether it’s by running, becoming an event sponsor or patron, or just supporting our participants through their training.”
Making the race more environmentally sustainable is also a key focus for 2022, according to race support manager Christine Appel.
She said: “We’ve put in a place a number of initiatives to help reduce the carbon footprint and environmental impact of our event.
"First, we’re making T-shirts optional extras that runners can purchase when they register online. We’ve chosen technical shirts made from recycled bottles for the adults and 100 per cent organic cotton ones for the children. Neither shirt is air freighted or packed in plastic, and both are PETA vegan-approved.
“We’ll also be encouraging runners to bring their own water, and are looking at various incentives to encourage them to do so. Any plastic bottles of water we do need to bring on site – whether it’s for the emergency services or thirsty runners at the finish – will be made from recycled materials, recycled when empty or both.”
“This May will mark more than three years since we last cheered runners home over the finish line on Burghmuir Drive.
"We thank everyone for their patience and support during what we know have been very difficult times for many, and can’t wait to welcome you back in a few months’ time.”
For more information on the event and to enter visit www.rungarioch.co.uk
