Running Club Holds 2nd Annual Braveheart Kilt Run

You weren’t mistaken – those were kilted-clad runners you saw out and about South Riding last week! The South Riding Running Club (SRRC) held its 2nd Annual Braveheart Kilt Run on Saturday, March 12.

The SRRC is a group of recreational runners who meet weekly for group runs to motivate each other, encourage and support novice runners, train for upcoming races and promote running as a group and community activity. The SRRC welcomes runners of all abilities and paces.

The recent Braveheart Kilt Run was hosted by BJ Johnston, a Scot himself, and an enthusiastic kilt proponent. Johnston said, “We held this race last year as a way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and have a little Celtic fun with the running club.”  Runners competed for several awards such as “Fastest Kilt”, “Best Looking Kilt” and “Hottest Kilt”.

SRRC President, Alison Gittelman was skeptical when Johnston first suggested the kilt run.  "I had fears that we would shock some South Riding residents and perhaps scare away visitors with visions of men running in short skirts. But then I realized we should celebrate diversity and I allowed the event to go ahead. It was an immediate and wild success and I am confident it will continue for years to come.”

Johnston cites his philosophy, "Be happy while you're living, for you're a long time dead" as the ideology motivating the SRRC to do the Kilt Run as well as other fun runs each year.  Being active, being outdoors and hanging out with friends is a good way to live life," said Johnston. "Next year we hope to have everyone run in a kilt."

You can find more information on South Riding Running Club at srrunners.org.