Bakkafrost confirms sponsorship for island race
Salmon farmer Bakkafrost Scotland has renewed its sponsorship for the Isle of Sky Half Marathon, for the sixth year running.
The endurance race, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary, takes place on Saturday 8 June. The Half Marathon already has 120 runners already signed up to take part and for the second year, features a 10 kilometre option, which has proved popular.
There will also be a Fun Run for those aged five years and over, and a Toddler Dash for the under-fives.
Ian Laister, Managing Director, Bakkafrost Scotland said: “More than just a race, the Isle of Skye Half Marathon is a really popular event for both runners and islanders. It offers a stunning course and injects a real boost of energy into the local community.
“Being involved in community events is important to our business, our staff and the communities in which we live and work. We have six members of our team who are taking part in this event.”
He added: “Best of luck to the runners, and a big thank you to the Skye Events team, Dougie Macleod, and our Bakkafrost Scotland colleagues from our local farm in Portree who will help with the event setup over race weekend.”
The Skye Half Marathon is known not only for its challenging course and scenic route, but also for its support of local charitable causes. Over the past 40 years it has raised in excess of £200,000, not including the funds raised by individual runners for their own chosen charities.
This year the 40th Anniversary Skye Half Marathon will be supporting the Skye & Lochalsh Young Carers and Skye & Lochalsh Mental Health Association.
The Skye Half Marathon will also make donations to Skye Cancer Care and Skye & Lochalsh Citizens Advice Bureau, and to local youth groups including: Skye Radio, The Brownies, The Guides, Skye Dance, Skye Pipe Band, Skye Tri Club, Ailsa May Dance, and Helping Hands.
The “40th Anniversary Skye Half Marathon & 10K” will provide an awareness platform for Mikeysline, a charity dedicated to tackling loneliness and depression in the Highlands.
Fiona Baker, race director at Skye Events, added: “Join us as we celebrate 40 years of creating memories that last a lifetime at the 40th Anniversary Skye Half Marathon. This inspirational day, welcomes runners of all abilities from all over the world and is a real testament to the people of Skye to have kept this race running over four decades.
“The return of the 10k race gives some new energy from a different distance runner, and this expansion has broadened participation, drawing in a diverse range of runners and fuelling greater support for local charities.
“It continues to this day to foster a deep connection with our island community, raising funds for really worthwhile causes, and keeping as a priority, the sustainable future for Skye’s beautiful landscape.”
Both races start at 10.30am and the roads being used for the race will be closed to traffic.
Registration to join any of the 40th Anniversary Skye Half Marathon and 10k races is open online until 12pm Thursday 7 June. Registration on the day is also possible
