Over a thousand people descended on the UK’s largest onshore windfarm this weekend to take part in a one-of-a-kind running event.
Run the Blades, held at ScottishPower Renewables’ Whitelee Windfarm in East Renfrewshire, took place on the 20th and 21st of July, with over 1,200 competitors taking part in a 10km run, half marathon and 50km ultramarathon around the giant turbines.
Organised by Breaking Strain Events, this year’s Run the Blades was sponsored by ScottishPower Renewables, and received additional funding from EventScotland, part of the VisitScotland’s Events Directorate.
Originally starting with 44 competitors, Run the Blades has grown rapidly since the inaugural event in 2015, with 2018’s races attracting over a thousand participants ranging from beginners to running enthusiasts and the CEO of ScottishPower, Keith Anderson. The designated routes saw runners pass through the moorlands and around the rare wildlife which inhabits the windfarm, as well as weaving around the 215 steadily spinning turbines that populate the site.
Families and attendees were able to partake in activities at the windfarm, as well as support the runners, including running in a family mile. Participants were rewarded for their efforts with medals and other commemorative memorabilia.
Lindsay McQuade, CEO of ScottishPower Renewables, said: “Welcoming so many runners, families and spectators to our windfarm over the past few days has been an absolute delight. We were thrilled to throw our support behind Run the Blades and it’s been a pleasure to be a part of such a fantastic event. Congratulations to everyone who took part and we’re already looking forward to welcoming next year’s contestants to Whitelee.”
Lee Peyton, Director of Run the Blades, said: “It has been an incredible couple of days in what has been the biggest and best Run the Blades yet. The runners have all been fantastic and I would like to thank everyone who took part, ScottishPower Renewables and EventScotland for making this such as fantastic event.”
Gordon Smith, Regional Director for VisitScotland, said: “I am delighted to hear that Run the Blades has enjoyed its busiest year yet and very pleased that EventScotland’s support helped this happen. This unique event highlights the area’s offering and shows why Scotland is the perfect stage for events.”
Whitelee Windfarm which is located on Eaglesham Moor just 20 minutes from Glasgow, is owned and operated by leading wind energy developer, ScottishPower Renewables and generates 539 megawatts of electricity, enough to power just under 300,000 homes*. The site, which has free parking, consists of 215 turbines and a free to enter interactive visitor centre and café. For more information visit scottishpower.co.uk/whitelee
Notes to Editors
About ScottishPower Renewables
ScottishPower Renewables is part of the Iberdrola Group, a world leader in clean energy with an installed capacity of over 28,000 MW, and the leading wind energy producer worldwide.
ScottishPower Renewables is helping to drive the Iberdrola Group’s ambition of being the Utility of the Future with 40 operational windfarm sites producing over 2,000 MW and is at the forefront of the development of the renewables industry through pioneering ideas, forward thinking and outstanding innovation which, in turn, drives economic success.
For more information, visit: www.scottishpowerrenewables.com
About Breaking Strain Events
Breaking Strain is an event management company based in Edinburgh which specialises in the delivery of bespoke activities, organising copious challenges, races, treks and adventures to feed the rapidly growing endurance scene.
Since its establishment back in 2008, the organisation has worked with charities, corporates, private groups and individuals to manage events ranging from treks through to races and other challenges.
EventScotland
EventScotland is working to make Scotland the perfect stage for events. By developing an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events EventScotland is helping to raise Scotland’s international profile and boost the economy by attracting more visitors. For further information about EventScotland, its funding programmes and latest event news visit www.EventScotland.org. Follow EventScotland on Twitter @EventScotNews.
EventScotland is a team within VisitScotland’s Events Directorate, the national tourism organisation which markets Scotland as a tourism destination across the world, gives support to the tourism industry and brings sustainable tourism growth to Scotland. For more information about VisitScotland see www.visitscotland.org or for consumer information on Scotland as a visitor destination see www.visitscotland.com.