FM pulls on trainers for parkrun

It was a milestone occasion for the runners of all ages on Saturday as Plean’s parkrun celebrated its 300th event - and a special visitor came along to mark the big day.

- STUART MCFARLANE

A total of 124 participants headed down to the regular start line at 9.30am on Saturday in Plean Country Park, where First Minister John Swinney was on hand to deliver the regular race briefing alongside Run Director Laura Powell.

Regular piper Mark Sutherland then brought the participants to the start line where they were counted down by the First Minister, before he and the other runners set off on their five kilometre route.

The team had asked the First Minister to be their special guest knowing that he was a keen runner.

It is the first time he has delivered the main run brief and started the event for a parkrun.