Armadale: channel Scottish flair at Perth Kilt Run

DUST off the old tartan and brush up on those Scottish accents-the Armadale Highland Gathering’s Perth Kilt Run is back next month.

Easily one of the most Scottish events on the Perth calendar, the Perth Kilt Run invites residents and community groups to whack on a kilt and enjoy a fun dash around the Armadale City Centre via either the 2.5km or 5km route.

More than 600 people took part in last year’s event and organisers are hoping to inch closer to breaking the Guinness World Record for the most runners wearing a kilt, which sits at 1764.

After having a blast in the event for the last four to five years, members of the Bedfordale Volunteer Bushfire Brigade have signed up for another go at the dash.

Bedfordale Volunteer Bushfire Brigade’s Michael Hall said it was a great team building event that they always enjoyed being a part of.

“It has become a part of our social calendar,” he said.

“We would average a dozen members from the brigade that participate, and also their family members participate.

“These community events are good because it’s an incentive for social groups, families and organisations like ours to get together, participate, have a laugh and also compete in something that has no real competitive nature to it.”

Armadale mayor Henry Zelones said the event was the only one of its kind in Perth.

“It’s a quirky day of fun and a unique opportunity for people to get creative in demonstrating their fitness prowess, while donning a kilt with hundreds of others,” he said.

“Loads of people dress in costume and there’s even been one gentleman who played the bagpipes for the whole route.

“Part proceeds from the Perth Kilt Run entries are donated to local charities, so being part of the Run also means you are giving back to the local community.”

The Perth Kilt Run will kick off the Armadale Highland Gathering, which will include a clan village, medieval fair, live entertainment, traditional Scottish food vendors and strongman competitions.

There might even be a chance to get up close and personal with event mascot Archie the Scottish dog.

The Perth Kilt Run is on September 9 and starts from Minnawarra Park, Armadale.

Visit www.perthkiltrun.com.au for more information or to register.

Mascot Archie’s Perth Kilt Run top tips.

• Register now: Be sure to register now to avoid disappointment, as numbers are limited. Register a group of more than three to receive 15 per cent off registration fees. Registrations are not available on the day.
• Arrive early: The registration base opens at 8.30am. If you ordered a kilt online, you can pick it up from the base at Minnawarra Chapel.
• Run etiquette: If you are walking or have a pram or wheelchair, you should move to the side and let people though or stay behind those going faster than you (like me – my legs can run!)
• Stay safe: Leave the iPod at home, and enjoy our picturesque surrounds of the Perth Hills. Skateboards, scooters and rollerblades are also not allowed at the Perth Kilt Run.
• Dress up to win: If you are a little daring like me, dress up to run for the chance to win spot prizes on the day.