Final preparations made for Co-operative Balfron 10K

Apr 24 2009 by Donald Morton, Stirling Observer Friday

THE village of Balfron is putting the final plans in place to host the prestigious Co-operative Balfron 10K on Sunday.

More than 550 runners from all over the country will be taking part – including, for the first time, representation from the Stirling Observer.

Julie Ross, who works on the newspaper’s production editing team, has been in training for the 10K along with husband David, while daughters Eleanor and Elspeth will be taking part in the 4K and 2K.

“I live in Balfron and the girls are at the primary school and high school, so I thought I should make the effort,” said Julie.

“The training has been tough but it’ll be worth it.”

Young and old will be donning their trainers on Sunday. Enthusiastic three to five year olds of Balfron Nursery School will take part in the “Tots Tumble” – a 500-metre dash in the school grounds before the main Co-operative Balfron 10K.

Kate O’Neil, Senior ECE at the nursery, said: “There are 90 children taking part and they are all really excited about their race. It reinforces our focus on healthy living, exercise and well being.”

Meanwhile local businesswoman Sharyn Mackie, managing director of Endrick Property which is also sponsoring the event, will be cheering on one of the slightly older runners, her father, William Lusk, an active 78-year-old veteran marathon runner.

Sharyn said: “When my father heard I was one of the local sponsors of The Co-operative Balfron 10K, he wanted to support the event too and run the 10K. It is such a great community occasion and we are so thrilled to be involved.”

All funds raised will be split between Balfron Primary and Balfron High School.

Peter Stevens, store manager of The Balfron Co-operative added: “As a community retailer, The Co-operative is at the forefront of promoting healthy food choices and lifestyles.

“We are very much looking forward to the race which challenges people to get out in the fresh air and are delighted to be the main sponsor.”

Other business sponsors who have added their endorsement to the race are Mulberry Bush Montessori, Careth Landscaping, The Beech Tree Inn, Endrick Property, Balfron Campus and Webreturn as well as many smaller businesses.