| Clock is ticking for the big run |
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| Written by Kayleigh Mcleod | ||||||
 A NEW backer must be found for the East Kilbride Half-Marathon in the next month if the hallmark event is to go ahead in 2010.This is the challenge, according to Gordon Colvin, race director of the popular EK annual fundraising dash. But Gordon, who is also President of East Kilbride Athletics Club, is hopeful that an alternative sponsor can be found now that Coca-Cola Enterprises has stepped aside. Gordon said: “The race stood on three main legs – South Lanarkshire Council and South Lanarkshire Leisure, East Kilbride Athletics Club and Coca-Cola Enterprises. “I don’t think it works without a major local sponsor. “The East Kilbride Half-Marathon and 10k Fun Run couldn’t have happened without Coca-Cola. “It isn’t just about the money. The assistance they provided, from local support to promotions, was invaluable.” East Kilbride MSP Andy Kerr wrote to Coca-Cola in June of last year urging them not to withdraw their financial support. Mr Kerr, who is himself a keen runner, said: “There is great support for the event at the local Coca-Cola plant, with workers putting in such a lot of effort over the past decade. “I’ve had the pleasure of running the race every year and have watched it grow into a feelgood, inspirational event.” Former Health Secretary Kerr stressed the importance of the event to the people of East Kilbride and not only as a form of exercise. He said: “There is a great sense of community spirit surrounding the race, bringing us together and it is a fantastic opportunity for individuals to raise funds for charity.” Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE) has been the corporate sponsor of the half-marathon and 10k fun run since the first summer run in 1999. A spokesperson from the soft drinks company said: “CCE is proud to have played a role in having established the event in the athletics calendar and felt that the time was right to step back and allow the way for a new event sponsor.” Expanding on their reasons for stopping funding, the Coca-Cola representative added: “CCE is seeking to broaden its community programme in Scotland beyond active lifestyle initiatives to focus on environmental and education projects. “We’re expanding our education support in East Kilbride and our most recent project, a Recycle Zone, opened as part of our ongoing programme, was at Glasgow’s St Enoch Shopping Centre this month.” The spokesman stressed: “CCE informed the marathon committee of its decision in Summer 2009 and has since assisted in the search for a new sponsor.” South Lanarkshire Council said they were looking at options and hoped to have a decision within the next few weeks.” In order to allow time for entry forms and booking, a new source of funding and support would have to be announced by mid-February to ensure a 2010 event takes place.
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