Minnie Mice, superheroes and two Staffordshire bull terriers were among the 150-plus runners who took part in the very first Rabbie's Run in Ayr yesterday (Sunday 5 June), organised by South Ayrshire Council and CLIC Sargent.
With the choice of either a 5k or 10k run along the esplanande in Ayr, the runners enjoyed a fantastic day out and raised more than a few smiles as well as a good few pounds for CLIC Sargent – the UK's leading children's cancer charity.
Taking the top spot for women in the 5k race was well known Ayr Seaforth runner Toni McIntosh in an impressive time of 19 minutes 35 seconds, followed by Allan Murray (21:20) and Jack Lewis (22:57). The remaining 101 runners then crossed the finish line at various times up to 64:16.
Included in the runners were first-time participants Liz and Turbo Izett – not just ordinary runners, but Staffordshire bull terriers who were taking part in a road race for the first time!
Leading the pack in the 10k was Richard Cosby, who completed the course in an impressive 40 minutes 45 seconds, followed by Martin Graham (41:09) and Steven Connell (41:37).
The first woman to complete the 10k was Moira Connell in 49:08. After walking the 10k route in less than two hours (113 minutes) Provost Winifred Sloan and Councillor Elaine Little crossed the finish line with smiles on their faces.
Provost Sloan said: "I thoroughly enjoyed Rabbie's Run and was delighted to see such a good turnout for a first time event. There was a great atmosphere along the route and I hope all the Rabbie's Runners are proud of what they achieved – I know I am. I would like to thank everyone involved in organising and supporting the event – the Council's Charities Team, CLIC Sargent, South Ayrshire Schools Pipe Band, the Citadel Leisure Centre, our marshals and volunteers and, of course, all our Rabbie's Runners."
Councillor Little added: "What a fantastic event for a wonderful cause. I'm really glad I took part and I hope CLIC Sargent can build on this positive start to make Rabbie's Run even bigger and better next year."
More than £1,600 was raised on the day for CLIC Sargent with additional sponsorship monies still to be received.
May Gilchrist, Community Fundraising Manager for CLIC Sargent, said: "A great big thank you to everyone who took the time to come along and make our first Rabbie's Run such a success. Every penny raised will make a real difference and will go to Malcolm Sargent House in Prestwick, helping us support children with cancer and their families.
"For full details of finishing times and a selection of photographs from the first-ever Rabbie's Run, visit www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/rabbiesrun.