Kilmac Races To The Rescue

MORE than 100 runners took part in one of Scotland’s most scenic half marathons and 10K challenges on Sunday. 

And with a three-year sponsorship secured from long-time Perthshire Chamber of Commerce members Kilmac, organisers are confident the rebranded Rattray Beaver Run will go from strength to strength. 

The annual event had been in jeopardy before Kilmac managing director Athole McDonald stepped in to support Blairgowrie and District Rotary Club’s efforts. 

Several Kilmac staff took part in the event, with others setting the alarm clocks to help in support roles. 

“The event has been going for more than 30 years and with its future secure we can build on this going forward,” said race director and former Perth and Kinross councillor Bob Ellis.

Dad of three Gregg Parsons (46), an assistant at Perth’s AK Bell Library, posted a winning time of 1.29.51, ahead of Kev Riddell of Perth Road Runners and Carnegie Harrier Lee Holland to win the half marathon. 

The first lady runner home was Blairgowrie Runners member Carol Greig in 1.51.59. 

In the 10K race, Stuart Kerr (Kilbarchan AAC) finished in 38.29, ahead of Perth Road Runner Adam Janeczko and Monifieth’s Craig Sturrock. 

Cally Urquhart (Blairgowrie Runners) - who was the winning lady in the 2023 half marathon – was the first female home, after taking a break from competitive running to have a baby. 

Bob said: “In addition to my fellow Rotarians, we enjoyed support from the Blairgowrie and Rattray Development Trust, First Aid Perthshire, the Blairgowrie Runners and committee member Fiona Morrison’s experience with past events proved very helpful.  

“It has been a real community effort bringing everything together to ensure a successful event. We have left no stone unturned.  

“It has been great to have a supporter like Kilmac on board, with staff members taking part and helping on the day in various roles.” 

The charities benefiting from the Rattray Beaver Run are Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance, based at Perth Airport, and Parkinson’s UK.