Run a half marathon, plant a tree

Sustainability will be the theme for the annual Isle of Skye Half Marathon this year. Supported by the Scottish Salmon Company, runners are being encouraged to plant a tree to offset their carbon emissions.

The run takes place on Saturday 11 June and, the organisers say, registrations are already approaching the halfway mark.

Runners will enjoy breath-taking views of the world-famous local landscape throughout the 13.1mile closed-road course, as well as food and entertainment at the start and finishing area.

As well as an affordable opportunity to plant a tree at the Isle of Skye Half Marathon Grove, for just £6, the race T-shirts available to buy, as well as the race medals, will be “eco-friendly” and runners are being asked to be self-sufficient with their hydration by providing their own water carriers. Water refill stations will be available at four water stations throughout the course. Emergency eco-friendly Tetra Pak cartons will be stationed along the route for those who need.

Runners travelling to the Isle of Skye are being asked to consider a lift share, and more information can be found on the race website.

Alongside the full half marathon distance, there will be a chip-timed fun run suitable for all the family, including runners as young as five years old.

The event raises money for local community groups including longstanding partner charities Skye Cancer Care and Skye and Lochalsh Citizens Advice Bureau as well as Girlguiding Scotland with the island’s Brownie unit running the water stations.

Local Isle of Skye running coach, Mark MacDonald, has shared his tips for runners: be organised and plan your running schedule; start with a training plan and take advice from the experts; and “always have a dress rehearsal before the event.”

He also advised taking it easy following the finish: “After the race, you may not feel like eating but pack something that’s easy to digest like a protein shake or bar. Stretch and have a light walk to help loosen off your legs, you’ll thank yourself the next day. Rest for a couple of days to let your body recover and to help yourself reset mentally, I also like to treat myself to a sports massage. Then it’s onto the next one!”

Su Cox, communications and business development director at The Scottish Salmon Company, commented: “The Scottish Salmon Company Isle of Skye Half Marathon is an iconic race in the running community calendar benefitting both participants and the local community. It’s a real joy to sponsor the race for the sixth year running. Good luck to all training for the big day!”

Registrations for the Scottish Salmon Company Isle of Skye Half Marathon are now open – register for your place at: www.skyehalfmarathon.com/the-day/sign-up