Stirling prepares for marathon weekend

Photo credit: Outlander/Starz Image acquired via Starz Media Room
Photo credit: Outlander/Starz Image acquired via Starz Media Room

Sam Heughan is taking part in the Stirling Marathon this weekend. The city prepares with a weekend full of activities for runners and visitors.

It’s the Stirling Marathon on April 29. Of course, Outlander fans knew that, since Sam Heughan is taking part in the event. Well, the city is now underway with the preparations for the weekend activities, making sure runners are well-looked after.

It’s not just a marathon weekend. The event will see its first half-marathon race too. There will also be a slight change to the course, which now travels through the Hillfoots area, ensuring everyone taking part has a view of Ochil Hills before they come back into the city center.

More from Sam Heughan

The Stirling Marathon is still a relatively new event, set up in 2016 by Olympic athlete Derek Hawkins and his brother Callum. Maybe Heughan will help to put the event on the map. He’s certainly encouraged plenty of Outlander fans to take on their own Peak Challenges and get fit again.

This is also a special year for the Scottish Marathon Chamionships, which will take place on Sunday. Previously hosted by the London Marathon, the due decided to give Stirling the chance to host it instead.

Stirling Marathon’s route will take runners past many of the sites that have been used for filming Outlander. Heughan will get a blast from the past, as he runs past Doune Castle, which was used for Castle Leoch in the first season.

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Just visiting for the weekend?

For those visiting to support Heughan or a family member/friend in the races, there are plenty of non-sporting events taking place. Stirling is putting on live music, food tastings, and arts and crafts. You’ll be able to create your own banner to display at the Marathon, so make sure you take your Outlander photos if you want to support Heughan!

There are a few exercise-related activities too. Active Stirling is putting on a range of sports to try, including the popular rugby. Cycling and fencing taster sessions are also available and everything is absolutely free.

Next: Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe share Droughtlander tips

Thistle, Stirling is sponsoring the Great Stirling Family Run for the second year.

You can find out more about the Stirling Marathon and events this weekend direct from Stirling Council’s website.