The Simplyhealth Great Stirling Castle Run will take place on Saturday, January 12, 2019, with runners taking on a 7km off-road course through some of the city’s most iconic locations, while international athletes compete in the world-famous Simplyhealth Great Stirling XCountry event.
Runners in the Great Stirling Castle Run will take on a challenging multi-terrain course through historic Stirling on paths, roads and trails, starting and finishing in Kings Park, which will be home to the event village for the day of action.
By encouraging citizens to get active, the event will have a positive impact on health and well-being.
It will also boost the local economy as thousands of participants and spectators visit the city, while live TV coverage will showcase Stirling as a world-class destination for tourists and events.
Councillor Scott Farmer, Stirling Council Leader, said: “This exciting event will allow residents and visitors to participate in a prestigious sporting spectacle on a truly unique course.
“The route will be challenging yet inspiring, encompassing a number of Stirling’s iconic and historical landmarks and showcasing the area’s stunning scenery, making it an unforgettable experience for entrants.
“Having this mass participation run will generate an incredible atmosphere in the city, and we are looking forward to welcoming people from across the world for this special occasion.
“There will be significant economic benefits as we welcome visitors from across the world, contributing a significant amount towards the local economy. This is great news for our businesses and it’s a great news story for the city.
“This is very much a chance for us to showcase Stirling to a world-wide audience as a must-visit destination for tourists.”
The scenic course will cover Stirling Golf Course, King’s Knot, the Beheading Stone, Castle Cannons, famous wood carvings as part of Stirling's heritage trail and Stirling Castle, including a section on Gowan Hill, before crossing the finish line in Kings Park.
Waves of runners will set off throughout the day with a choice between morning and afternoon slots available, while thousands of spectators are expected to take up vantage points around the course.
Councillor Chris Kane, Convener of the Community Planning and Regeneration Committee, said: “The Stirling Castle Run will bring visitors and a welcome boost to Stirling’s economy at a normally quiet time of the year.
“It offers an opportunity for Stirling to develop an event unique in Scotland. We’re already working with local clubs and high schools to support our young people who want to make it to the inter-district championships, while the 7km Castle Run will appeal to a broad range of recreational runners.
“Working with Active Stirling and the Great Run Company, we want to support anybody at any level of fitness, from sporting idols to sporting idles, on a personal journey that leads to the starting line here in Stirling. Or if you’re not quite confident enough to try running 7km in 2019, then help give a confidence boost to others by volunteering at the event.
“We’re determined that the Stirling Castle Run will be both an attraction and an inspiration for many years and break down barriers to leading a healthy and active life for everybody.”
The new event is the latest to be announced for Stirling which will again host the Simplyhealth Great Stirling Run marathon and half marathon events on April 28, 2019.
The event also further develops the partnerships between organisers Great Run, Stirling Council, EventScotland, Sportscotland – the national agency for sport – and Scottish Athletics.
Great Run Company chairman Brendan Foster said: “We are delighted to announce a brand new event for Stirling in 2019.
“As we have already learned with the development of the marathon and half marathon as part of the Simplyhealth Great Stirling Run over the last two years, Stirling is a city that embraces sport and activity, and I'm sure this event will prove to be just as popular with runners.
“Having the event take place at the same time as the Simplyhealth Great Stirling XCountry will make it a real festival of sport on the day.”
Andrew Bain, Chief Executive of Active Stirling, said "We are delighted to be involved in these iconic events. The route and location truly highlight Stirling as a great destination for sport.
“The 'Great Stirling Castle Run' is a great way for people to kick start a healthier 2019 and 'The Simply Health Great Stirling XCountry' is sure to capture everyone's imagination and attract competitors locally, nationally and internationally."
Scottish athlete Luke Traynor has competed in cross country in its previous location in Edinburgh and is excited at the prospect of running in Stirling.
The 25-year-old, whose third-place finish in the Bank of Scotland Great Scottish Run earned him the Scottish Half Marathon Championship crown a fortnight ago, said: “I'm looking forward to seeing the Great Stirling XCountry as it moves to a new location.
“I'm sure the people of Stirling and further afield will turn out in large numbers to cheer on the athletes and maybe take part in their own challenge with the new trail run taking place at the same time.”
To find out more about the Simplyhealth Great Stirling XCountry and to enter the Simplyhealth Great Stirling Castle Run visit greatrun.org/stirling-castle-run.
Note: Picture shows (from left) Amy Wright, Events Scotland PR; Alex Jackson, Project Manager of the Event from Great Run; Scottish elite athlete, Luke Traynor; Stirling Council Leader, Scott Farmer; and Councillor Chris Kane.