10 Years of MOKRUN

Raymond Hosie's photo of the race start from the sky!

Another MOKRUN race weekend has came and gone, the 10th.  It was fantastic!  But I am biased, of course.  I'm sad that it's all over! I was so pleased with how it all went this year - more runners than ever, lots of fast times and PBs, more visitors to Kintyre and even more community support making it the most enjoyable for me yet.  And my last as Race Director...

MOKRUN has been a huge part of my life and for 10 years I've loved every minute of it.  Well almost every minute - my husband may disagree on that point when I've been pulling my hair out over admin or gantries falling down or deliveries being wrong or refreshing the online weather forecast a million times in the hope it changes.... but it has been such a great experience!

I get a bit over excited at the start of mokrun, most of the stressful hard work is done at that point - now time to race!

In the beginning, myself and the Barbour brothers (Hendrie, Tom and John) started the committee when none of us even stayed in Campbeltown but we had big aims!  We all loved our home town and wanted to promote it to the world and encourage sport in the area.  Our first race had less than 300 runners, all our entries were taken on paper, goody bags were made in my back room and our timing system was done by hand!  We are now incredibly proud to sell out our 1,000 full race within 6 hours, 130 strong junior races, winning awards and attracting visitors from across the globe.  And of course, we've upgraded to be online and chip timing too :-)  We've organised so many extras throughout the years - motivational talks, open top bus tours, pasta parties, friendship runs, expos, heritage trails, distillery tours, craft fairs and of course we can't forget the legendary post race ceilidh if your weary legs could handle it!

Some 'ever presents' have completed MOKRUN every year.  Above is Rab McDonald, the CRC chairman's medals

We've always strived to be unique.  We do this with our stunning scenery and are famous for our goody bags - not only do you get a technical tshirt (Puma this year!), local pottery medal, bag, tunnocks, banana, energy drink and water bottle you also get teas, coffees, sandwiches and the BEST danish pastry ever.  You can even munch it while you get a free massage before your free swim at the Aqualibrium Leisure Centre.  But really, what makes it special is not only the camaraderie and friendliness of the runners but incredible support of the locals - we couldn't do it without them.  From sponsors to volunteers.  They offer up their time to marshal, make goody bags, put out signs and cones, commentate - you name it they do it!  They line the streets to cheer on every participant and even offer you jelly babies just as you are about to give up.  They definitely motivate you to get to that finish line!  Thank you.

The beach section of the half marathon makes it tough but special, (photo John McF)

The race has also encouraged me to run.  Although I'd taken part in races before, when I started to organise MOKRUN it galvanized a new enthusiasm and passion for running I never knew I had.  And it's rubbed off on my husband (who is now super fast, coming 5th in the 10k!), friends and family too!

I never thought I'd love running - now I can never imagine not running!

It's been an amazing 10 years and I have been privileged to work alongside such a dedicated committee who work tirelessly throughout the year to ensure MOKRUN goes smoothly each year.  The team has grown along with the race and all bring their own skills and knowledge to make it a success.  It was with mixed emotions that I have decided to step down as Race Director but after 10 years I think the time is right and know the race is in safe hands to continue to grow even better in the future.  Thank you team - and good luck for another 10 years!

My MOKRUN family - celebrating at the end!!!

And to celebrate... a MOKRUM cocktail courtesy of Whisky Macs.  Just perfect!

See you all next year at MOKRUN 2016!