Run 'Roon the Toon' in Killie's new 10k
Athletes of all ages and abilities gathered at Kilmarnock’s Ayrshire Athletics Arena to launch the town’s first ever 10k road race – Roon the Toon. Roon the Toon will take place on Sunday 12 June and with just five months until the big event training will now start in earnest. The race, which will start and finish at the Arena, will take competitors Roon the Toon, through the town centre and surrounding countryside, over a fast course which is predominately flat. The route will be perfect for people who are looking to set a personal best or for 10k first timers, like East Ayrshire’s very own Provost Jim Todd. Provost Todd attended the launch event. He said: “Like Kilmarnock, this is my first ever 10k. I have always kept fit and exercised regularly so I am hoping the training will be pretty straight forward. The team from the Kilmarnock Harriers have been giving me lots of advice and they are a great starting point if you want to start training for your own first 10k or want to improve your time. “The race limit will be 1000 runners and it is expected to sell out quickly. You can sign up online through the event website - www.roonthetoon.com and can run as part of a team or on your own.” A partnership between Kilmarnock Harriers, East Ayrshire Council and East Ayrshire Leisure, Roon the Toon will cost £15 to enter and Scottish Athletics members will receive a £2 discount. The prize fund will be in the region of £2000. Ian Gebbie, Kilmarnock Harriers and event organiser said: “It is going to be a great event. Everyone we speak to is so enthusiastic. In addition to appealing to regular runners, we hope the team prizes for schools, businesses, sports clubs and public service organisations will also encourage lots of new people to take up the challenge.” The race is open to anyone over 15 years of age and will start and finish at the Ayrshire Athletics Arena.