A turbo-charged roller coaster of an adventure run in the beautiful Scottish Borders
Saturday 20 March 2010
Up to 2,500 men and women dressed in handlebar moustaches, deerstalkers and full tweed are expected to cross icy rivers, scramble up steep scree slopes and battle through dense forest, from daylight to darkness, as they compete in the 2010 Mighty Deerstalker, the most outlandish trail running event in the British calendar.
Such is the popularity of the Deerstalker (5km) and Mighty Deerstalker (10km) adventure runs, starting and finishing in front of the majestic Traquair House, near Innerleithen in the Scottish Borders on Saturday 20 March and tackling the rugged multi-terrain of the Tweed Valley, that entries have quadrupled in only four years.
Since 2007 The Mighty Deerstalker concept has been a winning formula for organisers Detail Events and their partners Scottish Borders Council and EventScotland. Jim Mee, Managing Director of Detail Events, organisers of the Mighty Deerstalker, said: 'By launching the adventure-style, challenging and fun-fuelled format of the Deerstalker in 2007, we knew we could tempt runners of all ages and abilities away from the comfort of the road and into the rugged and evocative landscape of the Tweed Valley.
'The response has been incredible with entry numbers growing significantly year on year. From 600 runners in 2007 to an expected 2500 elite athletes, weekend warriors and first time have-a-go heroes ready for a bit of mud, sweat and beers in 2010, we know we have created the winning formula for our participants.'
Alongside some lung busting ascents and descents the intrepid athletes will also be faced with a series of challenging obstacles from start to finish. In the past the tests of both nerve and courage have included the straw bale wall, the ice cold 'Big Pond' with super-suction mud, the log balance bars, prickly tunnels, slippery tree-lined banks, cargo nets, a flooded tunnel (The Sump) and an arena-style assault course.
However organisers, Detail Events, are quick to point out that it takes more than a rugged and evocative landscape to make a successful event. Jim Mee added; 'The proactive approach and support of Scottish Borders Council and EventScotland have been instrumental in not only developing the Deerstalker but also in supporting our plans to further grow the race this year and beyond.
'These bodies have been quick to spot the potential in the event for the Scottish Borders and Scotland. Developing a unique event like the Deerstalker in these conditions is a joy with such forward thinking and innovative partners.'
Councillor Vicky Davidson, Executive Member for Economic Development, said: 'Scottish Borders Council is delighted to see the hugely popular Mighty Deerstalker back on our hills again in 2010 showcasing the stunning natural features of the Tweed Valley to an even greater number of competitors. Personally I'm happy we have been able to support the event again this year adding to the entertainment and attractions on offer over what will be a fantastic weekend.'
Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer of EventScotland, the national events agency, said: 'The Scottish Borders is, in many ways, synonymous with adventure sports and the Mighty Deerstalker is a great fit with that profile. Since its inception, the event has quadrupled in size and 2010 entries are expected to reach 2,500, proving its huge appeal and outstanding quality.
'EventScotland is delighted to be supporting the further growth of this hugely promising event.'
At The Deerstalker fancy dress is naturally de rigeur and prizes are awarded for the best country attire. The fashion Police have NOT been invited so organisers expect everything from plus-fours, Deerstalker caps or antlers, full cravat-and-sports-jacket ensemble, moustache, pipe and monocle to Lycra, skin tight and very inappropriate shorts and brightly coloured knee length socks.
Both runs take place in the evening following a day of merry-making in the grounds of the beautiful Traquair House, Scotland's oldest continually inhabited house. With local food and drink, music and a programme of entertainment in the event village for both athletes, supporters, spectators and families, the Deerstalker has a very sociable atmosphere all of its own.
To savour the flavour of this superlatively wacky event; or to grow antlers and front up to the big, bad and just-a-little-bit-surreal trail run with bite log onto www.themightydeerstalker.com
Ends
Media Contact:
Paddy Cuthbert | Podge Publicity | M: 07968699636 | e: [email protected]
If you are keen to take part in the Deerstalker or Might Deerstalker for a commissioned feature please contact Paddy Cuthbert to discuss a funded press trip.
Notes to Editors:
What:
Two challenging trail runs designed for absolutely any reasonable solo runner to complete and the onus definitely on fun.
The Deerstalker - 5km (ish). The actual distance will never be revealed.
For those interested in a short distance sprint challenge or to those new to off-road running who may want to 'test the water' with this type of challenge.
The Deerstalker - start at 14:00 - duration between 50 mins and 120 mins
The Mighty Deerstalker - 10km (very much optimistic estimate and not really close). The actual distance will never be revealed.
Going from daylight through dusk into darkness and requiring a decent head-torch, this turbo-charged roller coaster of a run is steep, rugged, involves various types of terrain, has obstacles and a scree climb.
The Mighty Deerstalker - start at approx 17:30 - duration between 90 mins and 4hrs
When:
Saturday 20 March 2010
Where:
The event village is at Traquair House, Innerleithen, near Peebles, Scottish Borders
Entry:
The Deerstalker - 19 / entry
The Mighty Deerstalker - £29 / entry
Enter on website - http://www.themightydeerstalker.com/
Entry Numbers (for both races combined) since 2007:
2007 - 609 people
2008 - 987 people
2009 - 1500 people
2010 - 2500 expected to race
Partners:
EventScotland is the national events agency.
EventScotland is working to make Scotland one of the world's leading event destinations. By developing an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events EventScotland is helping to raise Scotland's international profile and boost the economy by attracting more visitors.
Scottish Borders Council
Traquair House
Dating back to 1107 this magnificently preserved building is Scotland's oldest continually inhabited house. Nestling in beautiful gardens surrounded by forested areas, Traquair House boasts its own brewery, craft workshops, a restaurant and one of the largest hedged mazes in Scotland. With so much to see in the area, runners may want to consider making a long weekend out of The Mighty Deerstalker event.
Camping
The campsite will be open again and runners are welcome to camp at the event village for free. However spaces must be booked through the website.
Prizes
Kit to the retail value of £100 for the winner, £50 for second, £25 for third in both male and female classes
Prizes for Bambi (16-17's), Stag (18-49) and Old Stag (50-70) categories.
Every racer will walk (or hobble) away with their own souvenir medal.
Outdoor kit spot-prizes will be awarded at the prize-giving ceremony for those who have shown exceptional fortitude, delivered exquisite comedy value or helped to make the occasion memorable in some shape or form.
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