Wick to Thurso Charity Road Relay Race

4th September 2011

The Wick to Thurso road relay race started way back, but has been running in its present form since 2002. The race is currently organised and marshalled by the CAAC committee, coaches, family and friends and normally takes place annually in September.

The event is non-profit making and all proceeds from the race are donated by CAAC to local charitable organisations - last year the record sum of just over �10,000 was raised; split equally between the North Highland Cancer Information & Support Centre and the Stillbirth & Neonatal Death Charity (SANDS).

Johnson Controls have kindly provided sponsorship to the event over the last few years and provide the essential lead, roving and sweep vehicles required to provide safety cover, as well as radio communication equipment.

This year's event is being staged on Sunday the 25th of September and all proceeds will be donated to The Caithness Branch of the MS Society Scotland and Thurso High School Resourced Base for Children with Severe and Profound Learning Difficulties.

In recent years the event has attracted around 15 teams of mixed abilities per year. Since 2002 there have been two trophies competed for on the day; one for the fastest team, currently held by 'Wave Runners' who completed the 20 mile course last year in 1hr53mins. The other trophy is for the team who raise the most money. Last year 'Shining Stars' raised over �3000.

The race is started at the Co-op car park in Wick, and changeovers take place at mile markers along the route to Thurso, finishing at the Park Hotel. To prevent initial congestion on the road, the race is started in groups adding to the interest as the final placings are not known until all the teams are finished.

A variety of abilities take part; whilst the race is predominantly aimed at running teams, teams of walkers and those with disabilities are also encouraged to take part. Each team requires a minimum of 6 members and a maximum of 10, which means there is plenty of time for recovery after your mile!

For any further information on this year's race, or to enter a team, please contact either Claire McIntosh (01847 896396 / 07818 415 627) or Linda Ross (07745 648 481).