Perth Kilt Run

The idea to hold a kilt run in Perth, Ontario was conceived in October 2009 by Terry Stewart after the Mayor of Perth, Ontario submitted a letter to the Perth Courier requesting town residents to come up with an idea to help Perth, Scotland celebrate their 800th Anniversary. Happy Birthday Perth, Scotland!! Canada’s 8K Perth Kilt Run represents Scotland’s 800 years of existence.

The kilt run was organized by a group of volunteers as a "one-time event" in 2010. The committee included David Stevens, Steve Wight, Shannon Baillon, Pam Ferguson, Mary Stewart, David Eggleton, and Terry Stewart (Race Director).

The first kilt run held was in June of 2010. There were 1,089 finishers...breaking the old record of 250, and setting a new OFFICIAL Guinness World Record.

The race features a "Castle" start line!

The kilt run is officially called "Perth's WORLD RECORD KILT RUN".

The main charity of the kilt run is the MS Society. Over $55,000 has been raised in the first three years of the race.

The main race sponsor in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 was Lanark Mutual insurance. In January, 2014 Lanark Mutual became Commonwell Mutual Insurance. This means Commonwell Mutual Insurance is now our main race sponsor.

In November 2010, a new running club was started with the main focus to organize the kilt run. The run club is called "The Perth Running Goats Club", and is affiliated with Athletics Ontario.

In 2011, John Hulbert, the Provost of Perth and Kinross, Scotland visited Perth, Canada and Mary Stewart presented him with a Historical Challenge to hold their first kilt run by 2015, the year of our Lord and attempt to beat Canada’s record. The challenge was accepted immediately.

In 2011 the race was held a 2nd time. A new feature in that year was free post race runner's beer by Beau's Beer company. The 2011 race had expanded events including sheep shearing demo, and highland cow. Race Director - David Eggleton, committee of Sue Matte, Mary Stewart, Terry Stewart.

2012 was the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. In 2012 Perth, Scotland became an official City. In 2012 Perth, Scotland attempts its first kilt run and its first attempt to smash Canada’s record of 1089 kilted runners. Terry Stewart, Mary Stewart, David Eggleton, Mayor John Fenik, and Glenn Tunnock travelled to Scotland to participate in their 5k run. Rumour has it they came very close to breaking Canada’s record.

In 2012 a 2nd Guinness record attempt was made ... and a new record established. The 2012 event featured the new competition of the Canadian Haggis Toss Competition! The race also added a kids bouncy castle, and free Voyageur canoe rides. Race Director - Eldon Paisley.

In 2012, another kilt race was held in Perth, Scotland. It is said to have been only 16 people short of breaking our races Guinness Record (but to be sure they'll try again...and we wish them luck).

In 2013 Canada broke its old Guinness record with a total 1784 runners. Each year the race grows with a 2015 total of 2800 registered runners.

Other cities in North America are challenging Canada’s record – Raleigh, North Carolina; Manasquan, New Jersey; - while Fredericton, New Brunswick and Alexandria, Ontario have held kilted races as well.

2016 is the 200th Anniversary of Tay Valley Township, Drummond/North Elmsley Township/Beckwith Township and the municipality of Perth, Ontario. Perth’s World Record Kilt Run has grand plans for a great celebration!