Central Park Turns Tartan for 11th Annual Scotland Run

NEW YORK, April 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday, April 5 at 8 AM, a tide of tartan will descend on New York's Central Park as up to 9,000 runners take part in the eleventh annual Scotland Run (10K), part of the Scotland Week festivities. Runners line up at West Drive near 62nd Street and finish at West Drive near 67th Street.

A key part of the annual Scotland Week celebrations, and operated by New York Road Runners (NYRR), the race attracts runners and onlookers from across the globe — many outfitted in kilts, traditional tartan and face paint — as they run to the beat of bagpipes playing traditional Scottish tunes along a 6.2-mile loop in Central Park. The honored guest at this year's festivities will again be the First Minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond, who will officially start the race and present the award medal to the winner.

First Minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond said: 

"It's an honor to officially start the 11th annual Scotland Run in Central Park. The race is a firm favourite in the city's running scene, with thousands of people regularly taking part. With pipers at every mile and runners in kilts and wrapped in saltires the runners will need no reminding that this is a particularly Scottish event!

"Scotland is proud of its culture and heritage which is celebrated across the world and we are proud to provide such a diverse program of events and activities during Scotland Week, which help to foster the growing links between many of our businesses which are working hard to deliver jobs and investment on both sides of the Atlantic." 

During and following the race (8-11am), there will be a festival in Central Park's Mineral Springs (West 67^th Street and Central Park West entrance, next to Sheep's Meadow) with family-friendly activities that pay tribute to Scotland's culture and heritage. Activities include face painting; a golf simulator where participants can test their swing against the dramatic backdrop of Scotland's Gleneagles course; a Scottish themed photo booth and performances by Nina Nesbitt and Scottish bands Lau and The LaFontaines. 

"We're thrilled to again be working with the Scottish Government to host the Scotland Run as a part of Scotland Week in New York," said Mary Wittenberg, president and CEO of New York Road Runners.  "This is one of our most festive runs and people really get into the Scottish spirit, dressing up in kilts and painting their faces.  It's a fun and memorable day, and we thank the Scottish Government for their continued support."

Also taking place during Scotland Week is National Tartan Day on April 6. Designated a national holiday in 1998 by the US Senate, National Tartan Day is a celebration of all things Scottish and the contribution of millions of Scottish Americans.  Other Scotland Week activities include the 16^th Annual Tartan Day Parade, also on April 5; the photo exhibit, "As Others See Us," from April 2-10 at Pop International Galleries Midtown, Citicorp Building in "The Atrium;" the exhibit "Scots Jews: Identity, Belonging and the Future," on display through April 27 at the Milton J. Weill Gallery at the 92^nd Street Y; and the Caledonia Collective, featuring performances by Scotland Fun Festival performers, Nina Nesbitt and Scottish bands Lau and The LaFontaines at Webster Hall on April 6.

About Scotland Week - #ScotWeek

• Scotland Week 2014 comprises business, cultural and tourism engagements for Scottish Government Ministers, business leaders, and key industry stakeholders.  
• This year there will be a diverse programme of Scottish inspired events and activities which showcase the country's talents and ambitions across North America, including the NYRR Scotland Run 10k.  Now in its 11th year, 9,000 runners will take on the run – a 2014 TCS New York City Marathon qualifying event - set against the distinctive sound of Scottish pipes.  www.scotland.org/scotlandrun 
• The NYRR Scotland Run Festival in the city's Central Park on Saturday 5th April, welcomes runners, spectators and supporters to congregate for race day atmosphere and fun Scottish activities.
• This year's Scotland Week programme will also showcase Scotland's innovation and creativity through a series of cultural activities and events.  The Caledonia Collective has announced their 2014 line-up for Scotland Week are Big Apple Award Winners The LaFontaines and Lau, who will bring some of Scotland's finest musical talent to a US stage and who will also perform at the Scotland Run festival.
• For more information on Scotland Week, visit www.scotland.org/scotland-week

SOURCE Scottish Government