Nopesport

The Deerstalker - Blazing across the Scottish Borders

Bolting out of the forest comes the �Deerstalker,� a fast-paced, action-packed rollercoaster of a run taking place in one of the country�s most scenic locations � the Scottish Borders. The inaugural event, which will take place on the 31st March 2007 will see 500 competitors blazing a trail through forests, rocks, bracken, burns and braes. Supported by Scottish Borders Council and taking its inspiration from the Tweed-clad sportsmen that characterise the area, the Deerstalker is an �adventure run� with distance options at around 5 km and 10 km. Described affectionately by the Organisers as a �big, muddy romp� through the countryside, forests and hills around the Borders village of Innerleithen, an area already world-renowned for its mountain biking, Deerstalker will deliver a fresh new event format created especially for this adventurous area of outstanding natural beauty.

Jim Mee, the Event Director says:
�We have created Deerstalker to appeal to one and all; it�s tough, but there are two options at 10km and 5km. We have a magnificent course lined up and we are working with the Traquair Estate and the Forestry Commission to ensure the very best of the Tweed Valley is incorporated into the adventure. There will be great obstacles and competitors can expect to get muddy, wet and tired. But when they arrive back to the event village they will be greeted by a big party at the magnificent Traquair House. This is tough racing but the emphasis is very much on fun and games, hence the light-hearted approach. We are also encouraging the public to get involved in fringe activities that we will lay on for the mat Traquair.�

Dr Julian Pace, Director of Corporate Services and Strategy at Scottish Enterprise Borders, says: "We are delighted to be supporting the first ever Deerstalker adventure run. The Scottish Borders is fast gaining an international reputation as a world-class location for adventure sports and this unique event will once again promote the Borders as a fun and vibrant region to visit, live and work."

The race is split into two sections, starting with a five kilometre run at dusk, then followed by the feared �Mighty Deerstalker� which sees racers collect a head-torch as they pass through the event village after �lap 1� and race back out into the night for a further 5km of obstacles, sharp ascents and steep descents up and down the formidable hills of the area.

Traquair House, the oldest inhabited house in Scotland, provides a stunning backdrop at the event village, where runners will be greeted by Tweed-clad sporting officials and their very own, specially brewed �Deerstalker Ale�, already fermenting nicely under the watchful eyes of the Laird, who has been brewing beer for a number of years at one of the World�s best-known micro-breweries on the Estate.

The public will be well catered for too, with entertainments and attractions ranging from adventure sports such as archery and a zip wire, together with traditional local Tweed attractions such as Falcon displays and vintage agricultural machinery. There will be a beer tent and gourmet local food stalls selling delicious wares and as the start of the Deerstalker approaches towards dusk, fires will be lit as the racers are seen off by the Laird and his ghillie.

Entries for the Deerstalker are currently available with a special Yuletide gift � for every Deerstalker entering, get one of your mates in for free! Entry to the Traquair House event village will be free for the public and Deerstalker competitor supporters. 2 for 1 entry deal ends 6th January so be quick!

Visit www.themightydeerstalker.com to enter or for more information.