Managing director Athole McDonald and his team are supporting the Rattray Beaver Run - formerly known as the Rattray Blair Half Marathon and 10K – which is being organised by Blairgowrie and District Rotary Club. 

The event, which has long been regarded as one of the most scenic and challenging runs on the Scottish calendar, was hanging in the balance. 

But with civil engineering specialist Kilmac committing to a three-year sponsorship, it has been confirmed this year’s Rattray Beaver Run will take place on Saturday, September 21. 

Entries are being taken now for both the half marathon and 10K challenges, which start and finish near Rattray Primary School, with profits split between Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance, based at Perth Airport, and Parkinson’s UK. 

Rotarian and former Perth and Kinross councillor Bob Ellis has welcomed the backing from Kilmac – and hailed previous organiser Pete Ritchie for his dedication over nearly a decade. 

“In one guise or another, this has been a popular event on the Scottish running calendar for more than 30 years, and it’s great that Kilmac have stepped in not only with their generous sponsorship but the very welcome offer of assistance from staff members with experience of running successful events,” said marathon veteran Bob. 

“Pete decided to take a back seat earlier this year and that’s when the Rotary club’s convener of community and vocational service Janine Seymour and I became involved. 

“We can’t believe the backing we are getting from Kilmac. They are all-in, with great ideas and staff taking part and joining our volunteers on the day. 

“Athole’s three-year commitment was music to my ears and we can build on this going forward. 

“We are also getting super support from Blairgowrie Running Club, Blairgowrie and Rattray Development Trust, Active Schools, Sports Development and local businesses. 

“This was regarded as the toughest half marathon in Scotland during my previous involvement and that remains part of its appeal to all standards of runners. 

“The route takes in countryside around Rattray and Alyth and this year we are installing toilets at three locations, along with water and food stations. 

“The views are spectacular above Alyth and around Bridge of Cally, with views of Mount Blair and the Glens. 

“We are still incorporating a half marathon and 10K but decided to re-badge it the Rattray Beaver Run this year. After checking the running schedule across Scotland we settled on September 21. 

“Beavers have been thriving since being reintroduced to the area and it is a bit snappier than the previous mouthful! You might say it is ‘dam hard’ and it has already caught on.” 

Kilmac are no strangers to supporting Tayside community events and sports clubs, including Dundee, St Johnstone and Perth’s Craigie Hill Golf Club. 

Perth-based Athole said: “We have close ties to the Blairgowrie and Rattray area, having completed work recently on the local Recreation Centre, and we have workers living locally. 

“We are delighted to be the main sponsors of the Rattray Beaver Run and provide support for the Rotarians as they look to build on the success of previous runs and raise money for two great charities. 

“As part of the building industry, Kilmac is championing wellbeing, fitness and mental health in the workplace. 

“Our recently appointed HR manager Kerry Clark has a wealth of experience as a runner and organiser with the Perth Parkrun, which can be harnessed by the Rotarians. 

“It’s great that some of our workforce are keen to get involved.” 

To participate in the Rattray Beaver Run sign up at www.entrycentral.com, and to support the event and the chosen charities, see here.