Stirling Marathon returns to streets next year

The Stirling Marathon's set to return to the city next October.

It comes after previous event organiser the Great Run Company announced it was pulling out, however Classic Run Events has now taken over.

The decision to switch the Marathon from spring to autumn will give both local and national runners the ability to prepare for the course and will give more people the opportunity to take part in the popular event.

The 2020 event will be taking place Sunday 11th October on the same course as used in 2019, with slight differences along the route and a half marathon also taking place on the same day.

The event's set to attract local families, with a Festival of Running being hosted at Kings Park on Saturday 10th, which will include a 5k run, Junior 3k run and a Family Mile with a mascot race and a "Come and Try" sports arena.

The 2020 marathon will also include a corporate relay whereby local businesses and charities can enter teams of four to run 10km each but still experience the atmosphere of a marathon.

Attending the launch of the new marathon at Stirling Castle was Callum Hawkins, who competed in the World Athletics Championships in Doha on Saturday night and finished fourth place.

He said: "It’s great to see that the Stirling Scottish Marathon will continue in 2020. The course is well known as one of the most picturesque and scenic marathon courses in the world with tremendous support in every village and town that the runners pass through.

"Whether you are a first time marathoner, running for charity, or just looking for a personal best the Stirling Scottish Marathon fits the bill. Scotland needs great events like this."

Last year’s winners Michael Wright and Jenn Wetton, both of Central AC, also attended the launch. Michael Wright said: "The marathon has had tremendous involvement from local communities, volunteers, charities and runners from all over Central Scotland and beyond. I’m delighted that it’s returning next year. All being well I’ll be trying to complete a hat-trick of wins."

Cllr Chris Kane, Convenor of Stirling Council’s Community Planning & Regeneration Committee, said: "I’ve been looking forward to being able to say this for months, so it is with great pleasure that I can finally reveal the Stirling Scottish Marathon will be back next year in its new autumn calendar slot of Sunday 11th October 2020, with a wider weekend of supporting activities.

"We’re delighted to be working with Classic Run Events to deliver on our long-term ambition to create a world class marathon event. This is great news for our local economy, for local tourism, for local charities and for our city. My thanks to the team at Stirling Council for all the stellar work behind the scenes to make this happen.

"Now it’s time for runners from all over the country to plan their training schedules, choose a charity to fundraise for and get ready to run through some of the most spectacular surroundings of any race anywhere in the world."

Vice convenor of Community Planning, Cllr Maureen Bennison added: "It’s a massive win for Stirling to see this great event coming back to our streets.

"Not only will it continue to establish our City as a world-class events destination, it’ll once again give people of all ages and abilities a chance to get active and live healthier lifestyles.

"The whole weekend, from the Family Mile to the marathon, will ensure there is opportunity for everyone to get involved."

Jenn Wetton said: "It’s a wonderful marathon course with fantastic supporters along the route. The back drop of Stirling Castle and Wallace Monument make this one of the most awe inspiring runs I’ve ever taken part in. I’m especially pleased that the prize money for elite athletes has been significantly increased to reflect the status and importance of the new look event."

Steve Simpson MD of Classic Run Events said: "Members of our senior team were involved in the origination and marketing of the very first Stirling Scottish Marathon when we took the idea to Stirling Council in 2016 who quickly saw the potential behind an event of this kind. One of the highlights for the 7,000 runners in 2017 was to run alongside athletics legends Liz McColgan and Zola Budd. In 2020, like in 2017, runners will “Run through the heart of Scotland and Run through history."

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