20 October 2013 Beat Beethoven
Sun, Oct 20th 2013 at 12:00 am - 12:00 am
The annual Beat Beethoven Fun Run took place at Stirling University on 20 October 2013. Almost 700 took part in the 5k run/ 2.7k walk in the time it takes to play Beethoven's 5th Symphony (approx. 36 minutes).
Beethoven takes a beating (again!)
Well over 1000 competitors, family and friends turned up at Stirling University on Sunday for the second Beat Beethoven Fun Run, organised by the Rotary Club of Bridge of Allan and Dunblane, surpassing last year's numbers by well over 60%.
Nearly 700 took part in the 5k run or 2.7k walk round Airthrey Loch to raise funds for Parkinson's UK and Children's Hospice Association Scotland, including 130 youngsters from Dunblane Friday Night Beavers, Riverside under 15s Football Club, Queen Victoria and Wallace High Schools, Bridge of Allan Scout Group, Dunblane Scout Group and Dunblane Rangers. We even had a family, Lisa and Joe Turocey from Florida who were on holiday in the area and came along to join in the fun. Our 600th entrant was a young man appropriately called Sebastian Wagner who was accompanied by his parents, Jason and Selina. Many runners were in fancy dress including 2 members of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and the Scottish Big Five iconic species: Red squirrel, red deer, golden eagle, otter, seal, marking the Scottish Year of Natural Heritage. Partnership Sponsor, Waitrose had a team of 10 entered.
Steve Courtney from Central FM was on hand to entertain everyone; Gillean Gilvear from Stirling University got the crowds well warmed up before Steve started the event with the opening bars of Beeethoven's Fifth Symphony.
First over the line in just under 18 minutes was 15 year old Iain Davis from Dunblane, followed by Graham Bruce (16) from Tullibody. Most participants crossed the line within the 36(ish!) minute timescale to receive their medal and certificate.
Rotary President Colin Strachan thanked everyone, particularly main sponsors, Phoenix Car Company, Partnership Sponsor Waitrose; Stirling University for providing the venue, setting up the course and helping with the website, to all the Ten Tonners and Diamond Donors, Rotary Club members and friends for their efforts, to Steve Courtney from Central FM and to all competitors and families who came along to support the event.
Over £8000 has been raised so far with more still to come in, well exceeding last year's excellent result. There is still time to donate at: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/beatbeethoven.
