Stirling in spotlight during top athletics event

Jul 27 2012 by Johnathon Menzies, Stirling Observer Friday

STIRLING will host a gruelling 500km, non-stop adventure race next month.

Teams will take part in fell-running, mountain biking, canoeing and orienteering as part of the Adidas Terrex Sting.

More than 30 mixed teams of four have signed up, including seven from outside the UK and the precise route will remain under wraps until the contest starts.

The race starts at 8.45am on August 20 from Stirling Castle and teams are expected to be in competition until August 24. There will be a prize-giving the following day.

The Stirling Sting doubles as a qualifier for the Adventure Racing World Series.

The Peak will host the registration and briefings and a large marquee will be erected to allow competitors space to organise the various pieces of kit required.

In addition to the main event, locals can take part in a scaled-down version on August 19.

The mini contest is open to teams of four and takes place in Stirling, starting at 7pm from the castle esplanade.

A spokesperson for the event said: “We are inviting teams of four to join in on a race around Stirling to celebrate the start of mammoth four to five-day, non-stop adventure race.

“This is an amazing chance to compete against some of the top adventure race teams from across the country and win some fantastic prizes.

“We will be testing people’s skills on this short course around Stirling and you can expect a few surprises en route. Be prepared to get wet and be tested on navigation – all that’s required is a team, running shoes and a bike or two.”

To enter the prologue see www.adidas-ar.com.

Stirling Provost Mike Robbins said: “With a beautiful landscape filled with mountains, hills, lochs and rivers, Stirling is a perfect destination for such an event.

“The race will take participants to all those hidden gems, it might even offer them a chance to marvel at the stunning views.

“Participants will be prepared for anything and everything – what a great opportunity to showcase some of our hidden secrets, as well as the better-known landmarks. It’s going to be a tough race and I wish all the teams well.”