Glen Affric Duathlon receives inspirational award
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A RUNNING and cycling event in Strathglass has picked up a prestigious award at the Triathlon Scotland Annual Awards.
The Glen Affric Duathlon picked up the Inspirational Event of the Year award at the ceremony held in Glasgow.
The event which was established in 2004, received the award due to the commitment from organisers and volunteers based in the area which has made it a success.
The majority of the people involved in the organisation of this event don’t have any connection to triathlon.
Most of them are drawn from the surrounding villages and towns and farms and make the event truly unique. They attract sponsorship from firms and shops and businesses and they plough money back into local charities from their entry fees.
Event co-organiser Jim McAuley picked up the award and says the annual event was an important part of the community which welcomes participants of all ability and experience.
“The event caters for all standards of competitors,” he said.
“It is not just for the elite people, we are also for people who have no ambitions to be outstanding athletes. We also have a great organisation based on local people.
“There is only a population of 300 here and we have up to 70 people who marshal on the day.
“We also have the best scenery and when you put those things together, we can get a lot compliments.”
The duathlon held traditionally in May, sees competitors run and cycle through areas such as Loch Affric, Loch Beinn and Mheadhoin.
Annually, 250 people compete in the Glen Affric Duathlon with McAuley saying numbers are only restricted due to the amount of car parking that is available in the area.
He said the event would like to have more people take part due to the demand of applicants each year.
“We usually have to close entries about six weeks in advance due to meeting the quota.”
The 2020 Glen Affric Duathlon is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 2.
