RUNNERS in the first-ever Stirling Scottish Marathon raised more than £1.4million for good causes, it has been revealed.

Almost a third of the runners who took part in the inaugural 26.2-mile event through the heart of Scotland in May 2017 raised money for charity, benefiting good causes to the tune of £1,421,917.

The total was hailed by local charities and politicians this week, with runners encouraged to sign up for this year’s event which takes place on Sunday, 29 April.

General entries for the Stirling Scottish Marathon closed on Monday, but there will be an exclusive entry window for charities in February giving runners an extra opportunity to be part of the landmark marathon.

Charities Breast Cancer Care and Strathcarron Hospice joined Stirling Council dignitaries at King’s Knot this week to celebrate the massive charity total.

Representing Breast Cancer Care were Chris Thomson, John Thomson, Frank Struthers and James Eardley. Chris and John both completed the marathon distance last year, and are signed up again for 2018.

Frank and James are signed up to take on the brand new Stirling Scottish Half Marathon taking place on the same day. They fundraise as a family team in memory of Christine Thomson who passed away from breast cancer in January 2009. Since 2014 they have raised more than £55,000 through various events and challenges including the Stirling Scottish Marathon.

Dawn Stanley, events manager at Breast Cancer Care Scotland, said: “We’re so grateful to the whole Thomson family for all their incredible support, and for continuing to take on these incredible challenges. We wish them all the best of luck at this year’s Stirling Scottish Marathon.”

The Stirling Scottish Marathon established itself as one of Scotland’s leading marathon events in only its first year, and had an economic impact to the wider area of more than £1.8million.

In 2018, the event will boast a start and finish in the city centre of Stirling and also features a half marathon alongside the existing family-friendly events.

Stirling Council leader, Councillor Scott Farmer, said, “We knew that the inaugural Stirling Marathon was a great event. We saw Stirling, its residents and our communities being promoted in a positive manner across the world, we have heard of the significant economic benefits, the promotion of health and wellbeing and the volunteering opportunities it created.

“I am delighted to now learn of the incredible impact the event, through the hard work and passion of the participants, has had in raising this amount of money for good causes. This really adds another dimension to the marathon and a further reason to look forward to welcoming it back in April 2018.”

The Stirling Scottish Marathon takes on a breathtaking route through Doune, Dunblane, Bridge of Allan and features a lap of the University of Stirling, while runners will pass the iconic Wallace Monument and run in the shadow of the magnificent Ochil Hills and the imposing cliffs of Dumyat.

To sign up for the 2018 Stirling Scottish Marathon and run for your chosen charity, visit greatrun.org/Stirling

Entries remain open for the Stirling Scottish Half Marathon.