Athletes prepare to hit start line for popular Balfron 10k race
The eco-friendly run is a favourite in the local calendar, with hundreds of runners set to take part in the race on Sunday.
Balfron's popular 10k race is back this weekend.
The traditional eco-friendly run is a favourite in the local athletic calendar.
On Sunday (May 4) hundreds of runners are set to take part in the race which has become well-known in recent years for its welcoming community atmosphere and scenic course.
The starting gun will sound at Balfron Campus at 11am with runners heading out on closed country roads before turning back into the village.
At the heart of the race is a commitment to its green credentials, with organisers setting the goal back in 2019 of turning the Balfron 10k into Scotland's greenest race, offering a plastic-free, recyclable and sustainable experience to entrants and spectators.
These efforts have taken root in subsequent years with plastic bottles replaced by water bowsers filled from the tap, reuseable cups, and bags for life replacing plastic goodie bags.
In recent years finishers' medals have included seed bombs and an iced biscuit threaded onto a commemorative ribbon.
This year's medal is also expected to have a sustainable theme.
The race is put together by a small and committed team of local organisers and will be sponsored by longtime partner Mulberry Bush Montessori.
It will also continue to raise funds for the village's primary and high schools, alongside nominated charities.
Locals lined the streets to cheer on those pounding the pavements in the 2024 event, with the crown for race winner going to young Central AC athlete Connor Bell, a former Balfron High pupil, who claimed the title for a second straight year.
The Balfron race features an officially-measured course, chip timing, winners' prizes, finishers' medal and refreshments at the finish line. There is no entry on the day.
The event is open to runners of all abilities, aged over 15 years, and the race will be run under a Scottish Athletics permit.
For more information visit balfron10k.org.uk
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