Kilt runs heat up

Perth, Ontario (approximate pop. 6,000) is about 80 minutes from Ottawa or two hours from Canton, N.Y. Go there and you’ll see pretty surroundings and classic stone buildings, along the banks of the Tay River – great stuff. Founded in 1816, named after Perth, Scotland, it lays claim to a few odd quirks, such as being the site of the last fatal duel in Upper Canada (1833). The town also holds the current record for most kilted runners in an organized race.

Apparently, Perth, Scotland (aprox. pop. 45,000) wants that title. And who knows? If the wee Perths aren’t careful, mighty Perth, Australia (aprox. pop. 1.5 million) could be aroused to try snag a bit of that action too. (And there’s no keeping cities not named Perth from taking an interest in something this amusing either!)

As detailed by the Ottawa Citizen’s Matthew Pearson the…what? (gauntlet? sporran?) … has been thrown. Challengers hope to beat Perth, Ontario’s June 26, 2010 mark:

That day, 1,089 souls ran through the streets of the town wearing kilts, earning Perth the official Guinness World Record for largest kilt race ever.

“It was like a sea of red, yellow and green,” says race organizer Mary Stewart. “With a thousand people coming down that hill, it was quite something to see.”

Here’s a slideshow of the Perth Ontario 2011 Kilt Run via Youtube:

Apparently, even more turned out the next year (1,276). But that run wasn’t registered so the earlier mark remains the number to beat. It sounds like a pretty good time:

The race begins at Perth’s limestone town hall, crosses over the Tay River, passes heritage homes and churches and meanders through the town’s historic golf course before circling back to where it started. “We try to incorporate as many historic Scottish buildings as possible,” Stewart said.

There are bagpipers at every kilometre and a cold pint of Beau’s beer for everyone of age who crosses the finish line.

But every runner must wear a proper, knee-length kilt with pleats and a buckle. Whether racers wear them the true Scottish way is up to the individual.

Scotland’s Perth has a much bigger population. That city is also linking their effort to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee (marking 60 years on the throne). It’s probably easier to find kilts there too. So the smart money’s on them.

Bring it, says the mayor of Perth, Ontario.

“The provost is putting a brave face on, but let’s face it, we’re Canadians and when we have to, we pull out all the stops,” says John Fenik.

He added he’s prepared to import some big guns from Ottawa if need be.

“If they do happen to squeak by our record, I’m sure we’ll smash that again, even if I have to personally come get (Ottawa mayor) Jim Watson and all of his council to run in the race as well,” Fenik says.

If that sort of romp appeals, check in with the “Perth Running Goats Club” for more information. The run is set for Saturday, June 23rd. Walkers may participate too, but they will be asked to jog, skip, trot or some such quick pace for at least 100 meters to technically meet the “run” definition.

And not to leave the cooks out, there’s to be a scone contest too. Sitting here in March, doesn’t all that sound like a fun summer’s day?

In the interest of fair play, here’s how to sign up for the June 2nd run in Scotland too.

Tags: canada, Perth Australia, Perth Kilt Run, Perth Ontario, Perth Running Goat Club, Perth Scotland, Scone contest