May the paws be with you! The UK’s best 10k running race returns this weekend, with hundreds of runners getting ready to run through the streets of Southport – and this time it has a Star Wars theme.
The Southport Mad Dog 10k run takes place this Sunday (6th February 2022), starting and finishing from Stanley High School in Marshside in Southport, with people invited to cheer on those taking part.
The event has consistently been named ‘The Best 10K in the UK’ by various running organisations including Runners World, and for 2012-2019 at the National Running Awards.
Are you taking part, or are you watching the event? Please post your pictures into our Stand Up For Southport Facebook group!
The Crazy Pups Fun Run for children starts at 10am; wheelchair athletes start at 10.30am; with the main Mad Dog 10K run starting at 10.40am.
Runners start from Stanley High School before heading down: Marshside Road; down Marine Drive (the coastal road, with beautiful views alongside Southport Beach, Marine Lake and Southport Pier); left down Esplanade and past Southport Pleasureland; left again down the Promenade; left along Fairway; and then back down Marine Drive and Marshside Road towards the Finish Line at Stanley High School.
A number of road closures will be in place while the race is taking place.
This spectacular event is organised each year by volunteers from Southport Hesketh Round Table, with all proceeds from the event donated to local charities.
So far the event has raised an incredible £96,000 for charities and good causes in our area. Past recipients include: Queenscourt Hospice, Woodlands Hospice, The Christie Charity, Barnardo’s Children’s Charity, Alder Hey Easter Egg Appeal and many others.
The Mad Dog 10k run always has a different movie-related theme each year, and this one is Star Wars related – Star Paws.
This is the 11th time the race has taken place, although it has not been able to be held over the past two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Organisers are asking runners and spectators for their patience and understanding as the Mad Dog 10k run returns after being sidelined by the Covid-19 pandemic in both 2020 and 2021.
A Southport Hesketh Round Table spokesperson said: “We know you are all excited, but please remember these are still strange times and, whilst we have done what we can, this will be a scaled-down Mad Dog event compared to what people are used to.
“We have struggled with supply chain issues and dramatically increased costs, Covid restrictions and requirements, and latterly staffing. So please understand that we really have done our best against all the odds!
“The Southport Hesketh Round Table and everybody working in the kennel look forward to welcoming you back! May the paws be with you!”
The Southport Mad Dog 10k run is a great event for runners of all types, regardless of your experience.
Everybody is welcome, plus there is live entertainment along the course as runners head past!
The race features people of all ages and all abilities, with serious runners, chariot racers, visually impaired runners, recreational runners – and scores of fantastic runners in fancy dress.
There is a £250 prize for the best fancy dress outfit.
There is also a Crazy Pups Fun Run for under 16s.
This year’s race is fully booked.
This is the 11th Southport Mad Dog 10k run, and competitors can enjoy: a great atmosphere, free goody bags, running shirts, medals, Chip timing, on course live entertainment, free parking and free transport to the start.
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