Castle of Mey at the ready for annual 10k
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With just two days to go before this year’s Castle of Mey 10k, runners are undertaking the last of their training runs and the event organising committee is doing its own running around making final preparations behind the scenes.
The online race entry site closed last Sunday with over 320 runners entered, yet marshals have to be organised, pacers instructed, and the gardens of the castle transformed to welcome runners, families and spectators.
Donna Stewart, one of the event organisers, is encouraging all visitors to car-share where possible, and says if travelling on the main Thurso to John O’Groats road between 2pm and 3.30pm on race day be mindful of runners who will be making their way back to the castle’s main entrance.
“Race runners will have different priorities, but it’s important for the more novice runners to enjoy the event and gain a sense of achievement from completing it,” she said.
“Maybe this will kick-start the training to maintain that long-held desire of keeping in shape – one that escapes many of us because ‘we don’t have time'. Perhaps it may even inspire you to train for another race because it creates a goal and keeps you motivated.”
The Castle of Mey is transformed on race day with runners’ friends and families swelling the numbers.
On hand is also a sizeable race organisation team, ready to answer any questions.
“Just look out for us in the registration area and in front of the castle,” Donna said.
“Information about the race will be posted on boards outside of the registration tents, so make sure you take time to read these and arrive early to allow time to prepare for the race and soak up the atmosphere.”
Event registration opens at midday and closes at 1.30pm sharp. There are no entries for the 10k on the day, music devices are banned among runners, and organisers are stressing that if you have ordered T-shirts they must be collected from the registration tent prior to the race.
“Every year a large number of runners get caught up in the excitement and forget to collect their T-shirts,” said Donna, recommending runners nominate someone to collect them.
In the interest of runners’ safety, all entrants are also asked to provide updated medical details on the day at registration.
This year, the favourite for fastest female runner is Jenny Bannerman of Inverness Harriers, who is expected to challenge her own course record of 36.37 set in 2017. Jenny recently ran 5k in 16:39 at the SAL 5k Championships.
In the men’s field, none of the previous winners are returning and there are no clear favourites for the top prize which should make for an interesting race. The course record set in 2014 of 31.02 by Andrew Douglas looks likely to remain unchallenged
In the team challenge, North Highland Harriers look to have the strongest contingent but who will make up the top four runners remains to be seen on the day.
Donna says although there is no Mey Meander walk this year, everyone is invited to participate in the Mey Mile Fun Run and Walk. Entry is available for £2 from midday to 1.30pm, and all runners receive a medal. Prizes are also on offer for the first primary and secondary boys and girls. All runners under five must be accompanied by an adult.
