Volunteers step up to save Rattray fundraising race
Date: Monday 25 August
image courtesy of Clare McMicking / CraicN Communications
Volunteers with Blairgowrie and District Rotary Club have stepped in to secure the future of the popular half-marathon and 10k runs in the east Perthshire town.
The move comes following an appeal by Blairgowrie and Rattray Development Trust for new organisers for the event – which has raised thousands of pounds for charity in recent years.
Newly rebranded as the ‘Rattray Beaver Run’, the routes for both the half marathon and the 10k races – which will take place on Sunday, September 21st this year - will be the same as the former Rattray Blair Half Marathon and 10k.
And Blairgowrie and District Rotary Club is delighted to have secured new sponsorship for the event for the next three years from Tayside-based engineering firm Kilmac.
The half marathon is widely regarded as one of the most scenic and physically demanding races of its kind in Scotland, while the 10k – now in its second year - has earned a similar reputation. In previous years, around 400 people from all over Scotland have taken part in the event.
Entries are open now for both the races, which start and finish near Rattray Primary School, with the proceeds this year to be donated to Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) and Parkinson’s UK.
Rotarian Janine Seymour is looking forward to the return of the event.
She said: “When we heard that the future of the half marathon event in Rattray was under threat, all of us at Blairgowrie and District Rotary were keen to look at how we could ensure that it continued to take place.
“We approached Blairgowrie and Rattray Development Trust, and with their support, as well as that of our new sponsors Kilmac and other local groups such as Blairgowrie Runners and Active Schools, agreed to take it on.
“We have a new date for the event in September and a new name that reflects its reputation for being ‘dam’ tough!
“We’re now encouraging runners to sign up to take part. You can choose between the half marathon and the 10k, both of which cover challenging terrain that rewards grit with breath-taking views.
“All finishers will receive a bespoke medal and a high-quality snood, and we’re working hard to ensure that we can deliver a post-race buffet that lives up to the legendary spreads of previous years.
“We’re hugely grateful to Kilmac, BRDT, Blairgowrie Runners, Active Schools and everyone else who is helping us deliver this event, and hope that lots of runners take part and make the most of this opportunity to support two very worthwhile causes.”
Lesley McDonald is operations officer at BRDT. She said: “It is great news that Blairgowrie and District Rotary Club have stepped up to save the Rattray Beaver Run following our appeal for volunteers, and that they are being so generously supported in their endeavours by Kilmac.
“It is another wonderful example of how volunteers, local community groups and organisations and local businesses all working together can have a hugely positive impact in our town.”
To enter, go to http://www.entrycentral.com/rattray-beaver-run
Entries close at midnight on Saturday, 13th September, 2025. No entries will be accepted on the day. Entry for the half marathon is £25 and entry for the 10k is £20.
Registration for both events will open at 8am at the Community Connect Centre beside Rattray Primary School. All entrants must register at least 15 minutes before the event starts to allow time to get to the start line. The half marathon will start at 9.30am and the 10k will start at 10am.
For further information or media enquiries, please contact Clare McMicking on telephone 07514 343 042 or email media@brdt.org.uk.
