Sport / Runners lace up to celebrate 10 years of ZE Run at first ever RunFest
SHETLAND running group ZE Run celebrated its 10th anniversary with a packed schedule of events over the weekend, including a mass 10km race through Lerwick.
RunFest 2025 marked a decade of the ZE Run group, organised by Linda and Russell Gair of GymGair, which meets every Thursday and encourages runners to remain committed and inspired by their fellow members.
Fifty runners from all across Shetland signed up to run, race and enjoy the social side of endurance sports this weekend.
There was also an educational element to RunFest, with guest coach and educator Mike James travelling from South Wales to help put the runners through their paces.
The Thursday night track session focused getting runners to know their limits and understanding effort.
This got runners thinking about different aspects of pacing, and also the terminology used.
This was followed by the Podiatry Shetland handicapped hill climb up the Staney Hill.
After what was described as a monumental struggle, with gradients of over 20 per cent in places, Neil Arthur pipped Ronan Bourke to first place with Ross Osborn completing the podium.
For the ladies Anne Leask was the winner, closely followed by Monica Moncrieff and Michaela Johnson.
James then talked about the top ten myths and misconceptions in running, challenging some of the misinformation on social media such as “running gives you arthritis” and running mantras like “go hard or go home”.
Friday brought the BML Accounts town 10K, with a challenging route in store.
Some fantastic efforts from everyone saw Neil Arthur first home, followed by James Anderson and Marc Williamson.
For the ladies it was Alina Murray continuing her great season with the win, followed by Monica Moncrieff and Anne Leask.
Age group winners were Seth Travins, Monica Moncrieff, Colin Burgess, Julie Johnson and Maurice Arthur, completing a good weekend for the Arthur family.
The race received positive feedback, and Russell Gair said it has been decided that this will become an annual event for the Shetland running calendar.
Saturday was all about education, with James kicking off the seminars at Islesburgh by talking about knowing when to return post-injury.
Russell Gair spoke about considerations for warm weather running, followed by James’ advice on how strength training can benefit runners of all ages and abilities.
A social run followed, for those wanting to shake the spaegie out of their legs, and the weekend’s schedule was rounded off with coffee and home bakes.
The Gairs meanwhile thanked James for his energy and enthusiasm over the three days.
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