Experienced runners, casual joggers and complete novices are gearing up to run the Hillbilly 10k in Dalmellington this weekend in a bid to raise thousands of pounds for a leading cancer charity.
On Sunday, October 10 the village is set to welcome 300 runners for the annual event hosted by Butterfly Events – an Ayrshire-based voluntary organisation committed to arranging events in aid of Cancer Research UK.
So far, in the run up to the big day, fundraisers have already gone the extra mile by amassing more than £800 for the cause, and many are looking forward to getting their running shoes on in the hopes of taking in even more.
Lorna Dempsey of Butterfly Events told the Chronicle: “This is our seventh year of this event, voluntary organised by Butterfly Events in aid of Cancer Research UK.
“The event is being supported by Vattenfall, RJ McLeod, Hamilton Tarmac, Caledonian Water, Scottish Water & Jet Garage, Dalmellington.
“Dalmellington the home of Hillbilly 10k. We are so excited to be able to plan our event in 2021 after the most difficult two years for our charity.
“Our event starts at 11am, at Craigengillan Estate entry. It runs around our stunning village including past our waterfall, Dalcairny Lin, which will be a welcome sight for our 300 participants after the first few km.
“This is more that just a run, it has been described as ‘the best 10k event in Scotland’, which we are very proud of.
“Participants and volunteers enjoy our event which includes a buffet back at our HQ at Doon Valley Leisure Centre.”
To accommodate Hillbilly virgins, last week, the team arranged a practice run which took off from Doon Valley Leisure Centre.
There was no first aid cover or buffet afterwards, but six newbies and three old timers turned up to experience the course before the main event, and were said to have “loved the route”.
With safety in mind, Lorna and the events team are also searching for Marshalls to help keep the runners well looked after.
If people think they can help or would like to be involved in the day, they should get in touch with Lorna on 07734477224 or turn up for 10am on Sunday at the Leisure Centre.
If residents have got into running during lockdown or fancy challenging themselves outside of their normal fitness routine, there is still time to sign up to run.
For more information, click here.
To donate, click here.
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