ISLE OF SKYE HALF MARATHON SETS OUT TO BE THE MOST SUSTAINABLE YET

Isle of Skye Half Marathon sets out to be the most sustainable yet. Top tips for runners getting ready to train.

Registrations for the famous Scottish Salmon Company Isle of Skye Half Marathon 2022 are approaching the halfway mark. The annual race, taking place on Saturday 11 June 2022 at 10.30am, is a firm favourite with locals and tourists – it’s a sell out every year.

Runners will enjoy breath-taking views of the world-famous local landscape throughout the 13.1mile closed-road course, as well as food and entertainment at the start and finishing area. It’s good news for local businesses, with runners keen to experience all the island has to offer.

In line with other years, the 2022 Isle of Skye Half Marathon will continue to be focused on sustainability to reduce environmental impact from the event.

• Plant a tree – All runners will be offered an affordable opportunity to offset their carbon by planting a tree at the Isle of Skye Half Marathon Grove, for just £6
• Race T-shirts – To reduce waste of unwanted t-shirts, eco-friendly technical t-shirts are available to buy at the merchandise stall
• Race drinking water – Runners are being asked to be self-sufficient with their hydration by providing their own water carriers. Water refill stations will be available at four water stations throughout the course. Emergency eco-friendly Tetra Pak cartons will be stationed along the route for those who need
• Medals – An important part of the race, medals will be more sustainable, without compromise
• Lift share – Runners travelling to the Isle of Skye are being asked to consider a lift share, more information can be found on the website

In keeping with tradition, the Isle of Skye Pipe Band will welcome runners to the starting line as they set off. Spectators and runners will enjoy a wide range of stalls at the start/finish areas with a street food area including burritos, burgers from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution burger van, as well as gluten free and vegan options.

Alongside the full half marathon distance, there will be a chip-timed fun run suitable for all the family, including runners as young as five years old.

Organisers will take steps to protect runners and the local community from Covid-19 in line with up-to-date government guidance.

The event raises money for local community groups including longstanding partner charities Skye Cancer Care and Skye and Lochalsh Citizens Advice Bureau as well as Girlguiding Scotland with the island’s Brownie unit running the water stations.

 Su Cox, communications and business development director at The Scottish Salmon Company, said:

“The Scottish Salmon Company Isle of Skye Half Marathon is an iconic race in the running community calendar benefitting both participants and the local community. It’s a real joy to sponsor the race for the sixth year running. Good luck to all training for the big day!”

Sam Crowe, event planner at Skye Events said:

“We’ve been working hard with our partners to deliver a more sustainable event this year, and we look forward to runners experiencing a cleaner, greener race. It’s not too late to sign up and start training for this much-loved community event.”

Local Isle of Skye running coach, Mark MacDonald, shares his top tips to help participants train and run their best race. Mark placed fourth in 2021 and sits on the race’s committee.

1 – Organisation is key

“Plan your running schedule at the beginning of each week, find times that work for you and your lifestyle. Running in the morning can be a good idea, it prevents things that crop up during the day interfering with your run.”

2 – Train smart

“Make sure you start with a training plan, there’s lots of free training plans available online, including Runner’s World. If you’re unsure about how to train, invest in a coach or go along to your local running club. As a beginner the key is to run slowly when you’re starting out and make sure you give yourself time to recover. Every type of runner will reap benefits from recovery and gentle running.”

3 – Dress rehearsal 

“Never try anything new on race day, always have a dress rehearsal before the event. Getting your wardrobe and footwear right is essential and can help prevent injury, too. Pop into your local running shop for help picking the right shoe. Use your training runs to practice how you’re going to carry water. I use a flip belt and put soft flasks in there.”

4 – Eat and drink right

“Don’t forget to hydrate the day before the race, not just on the day. I like to run on a light stomach and will eat three hours before the race. My favourite pre-race meal is yoghurt and granola with seeds and berries. Training is the best time to figure out what works for you, practise with gels to see if you like them but make sure gels agree with your stomach.”

5 – Take it easy post-race

“After the race, you may not feel like eating but pack something that’s easy to digest like a protein shake or bar. Stretch and have a light walk to help loosen off your legs, you’ll thank yourself the next day. Rest for a couple of days to let your body recover and to help yourself reset mentally, I also like to treat myself to a sports massage. Then it’s onto the next one!”

Registrations for the Scottish Salmon Company Isle of Skye Half Marathon are now open – register for your place here: https://www.skyehalfmarathon.com/the-day/sign-up