Stirling set to host new Scottish marathon in 2017

Stirling has been announced as the location for a new Scottish spring marathon in 2017 - starting in the Blair Drummond Safari Park.

Stirling has been announced as the location for a major new spring marathon in 2017. Picture: Peter Devlin

The event will begin at the attraction and pass landmarks including Doune Castle before finishing beneath the ramparts of Stirling Castle.

Olympic medallists Liz McColgan-Nuttall and Brendan Foster attended its launch at the National Wallace Monument.

The race takes place on 21 May.

Organisers say the ambition is for the Stirling Scottish Marathon to become the leading marathon in the country within three years.

Great Run Company Chief Executive Mark Hollinshead said: “This is an opportunity to be part of something big – the first marathon in our Great Run British Marathon Series.

“Our runners have had to look elsewhere for their marathon challenge, but now they will have the chance to take on a new experience with the full support of the Great Run Company with our track record in delivering world-class events.

“Participants will have the opportunity to run through history on this stunning course and the marathon will provide an opportunity to contribute to the overall quality of marathon running in Britain.

“With a long tradition of marathon running, with legendary names like Allister Hutton, Liz McColgan and Jim Alder from the past, Scotland has again led the way in recent months and it’s only right that our 26 mile 385 yard journey starts right here in Stirling.”

Entries for the Stirling Scottish Marathon are now open at greatrun.org.