AN attempt to break the official Guinness world record for the ‘Largest Ever Kilt Race’ is to be held in Perth as part of this summer’s local Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
It is hoped that around 2,000 entrants dressed in kilts and decked in tartan will take part in the fun run, beating the world record currently held by Perth’s twin town in Ontario, Canada.
That record was set when 1,089 participants took part in the Perth Kilt Run in Ontario on 26 June 2010.
Local people are now being urged to sign up for the Scottish equivalent of the event, which will take place on Saturday 2nd June.
The focus will be firmly on fun and enjoyment – the Perth Kilt Run is open to anyone aged over 15 who fancies the challenge of helping to beat a world record while raising money for good causes.
The two main charities being supported through the event are the Perth & Kinross charity PKAVS and ABF The Soldiers Charity.
Runners can choose to run for charity and will be supported by the charities in their fundraising efforts.
The Kilt Run’s 8km route will go around the North Inch then to the South Inch via Tay Street, and back again to finish on the North Inch. It will be part of a programme of Diamond Jubilee Day celebrations being held in Perth that day.
Registration for the Kilt Run opens today (Monday 6 February 2012), and you can sign up to take part at the dedicated website www.perthkiltrun.co.uk. It costs £10 to register.
Provost John Hulbert said the idea originated during a civic visit to Perth, Ontario, Canada in 2011.
“I was in Canada when they held their 2011 Kilt Run and it really was a colourful and spectacular sight,” he said. “It was a superb day that really brought the community together and everyone had great fun.
“While I was there, our Canadian friends challenged us to try and beat their world record which was set in 2010. The record-breaking Kilt Run was organised to mark our Perth 800 celebrations. Participants ran 8km – one kilometre for every 100 years of Perth’s existence as a Royal Burgh.
“After their challenge, I thought our own Kilt Run would be a great way to help celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. I’m confident we can get around 2,000 to sign up and take part on the day so we can claim the Kilt Run crown from Canada. If we do claim the world record our friends in Perth in Ontario have said they will do their best to take it back, so it could be the beginning of a new sporting rivalry!
“I would encourage people to dig out their tartan and sign up to have some fun while raising some cash for charity. There will be a real carnival atmosphere in Perth on the day. Runners of all abilities are welcome, whether you want to sprint the course or take a leisurely jog with friends and family.
“Hopefully everyone who takes part will be able to say they have helped to set a new Guinness world record!”
PKAVS spokesperson, Helen MacKinnon, commented: “We are delighted to be the local charity partner in this world record attempt.
“We hope that runners will choose to run for the two nominated charities to help us raise funds and awareness of our work. Over the next few months, we’ll be launching fundraising packs and organising training sessions for beginner runners to enable as many people as possible to take part in this exciting event.”
Charles Dunphie, from ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, added: “We are enormously proud of the work we do in Perth and Kinross, and in Scotland as a whole, to help soldiers, former soldiers and their families.
“We gave a record number of grants to individuals here last year and would encourage anyone, even if they’ve never run before, to join in what is set to be a fantastic community event. There will be plenty of soldiers taking part on the day too – local units are keen to show their support for The Soldiers’ Charity and for the run.”
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