Beltane Sprint set for return

David Knox • Published 21 Jan 2011 09:30 0 Comments

AN agreement has been reached for the return of the historic Beltane Sprint.

Former athlete Drew Fraser will take up the reins this year in a bid to resurrect the Peebles games meeting.

A lack of organisers led to the event being cancelled last year.

And fears were growing that the popular part of the town's Beltane Festival could be lost to the archive books.

But following talks between Mr Fraser and officials from Border Athletics, a rescue package has been arranged.

Ernie Blair from Border Athletics told the Peeblesshire News: "The intention was always there to maintain the tradition of the Beltane Sprint meeting.

"It was sad that it wasn't held last year."

The annual sports started in 1899 - two years after the Riding of the Marches were revived - and quickly became an integral part of Peebles' annual festival.

The Beltane Sprint attracted crowds of up to 3,000 as well as some of the country's leading athletes in its hey-day.

A switch of venue, to Whitestone Park from Haylodge Park, and a move to Sunday afternoon from its traditional Saturday slot appeared to be successful in 2009.

But disputes between the organisers Gregor Nicholson and Alan Strain, and governing body Borders Athletics led to the duo standing down. The resurrected meeting will continue to be staged on the Beltane Sunday at Whitestone Park.

Drew Fraser told us: "We received a good offer of assistance for the sports from Border Athletics. I will co-ordinate things from this end and work closely with Border Athletics. We are already looking for any sponsors or offers of assistance."

The Beltane Sprint meeting will be held on Sunday, June 26.

The Three Bridges Race will be held the month before at Tweed Green on Sunday, May 1.

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This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 21 Jan 11

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