MND Scotland announced as official charity partner for the William Wallace Running Festival, a new event launching in Stirling this October.

The partnership unites Scotland’s national MND charity, the only charity in Scotland dedicated to directly supporting people affected by MND, with a new leading sporting event in the fight against motor neuron disease.

The William Wallace Running Festival is the combined forces of Peter Ness, an experienced Race Director and owner of Scurry Events, and Gregg, Craig and Graham Coull of the family operated You Can Sport, the leading event announcing and endurance sports coaching business based in the City of Stirling.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Stirling, the William Wallace Running Festival will take place on 11 October 2025 at Stirling Sports Village. It will feature multiple race distances tracing routes with deep historical significance to Scotland’s national hero.

MND is a rapidly progressing terminal illness, which stops signals from the brain reaching the muscles. This can cause someone to lose the ability to walk, talk, swallow or breathe unaided and the average life expectancy is just 18 months from diagnosis.

Since being founded over forty years ago, MND Scotland has provided practical, financial and emotional support to anyone affected by MND whilst also funding essential research into finding effective treatments and a cure.

Jonathan Mitchell, Head of Fundraising at MND Scotland, said: “We are thrilled to partner with the new William Wallace Running Festival.

“The partnership will allow us to raise important awareness of motor neuron disease, whilst generating vital funds to support those affected by this devastating condition across Scotland.

“The festival’s spirit of determination and resilience perfectly mirrors the bravery shown by those living with MND every day.

“Thank you to Gregg, Craig and Graham Coull from You Can Sport, and Peter Ness from Scurry Events for organising the running festival and for their support and collaboration.”

Graham Coull, You Can Sport, said “We’re delighted to partner with such a vital charity and raise much-needed funds for people living with MND.

“We’re also especially excited to be able to bring a team relay option to the William Wallace Running Festival. Relay teams are a relatively unique choice at running events and offer a great opportunity for workplace teams to get together, share some camaraderie and have fun.”

Peter added: “At Scurry Events, we have introduced relays for a couple of longer distance events and there is something extra special about watching running teams taking on the last victory lap and crossing the finish line together. We’re looking forward to seeing teams forming with groups of work colleagues or friends joining forces to share a memorable journey and an unforgettable achievement.”

The William Wallace Running Festival offers participants several challenging and historically significant routes:

• Ultra 70km: a spectacular 70km loop of Ochil Hills, Bannockburn, Campsie Fells, Lewis Hill, Stirling Castle, Bridge of Allan, Cockburn Reservoir, Jerah Forest, Blairlogie, Wallace Monument, and Cambuskenneth Abbey. This challenge is available for solo runners or relay teams of 3 or 6, with 3 or 6 relay stage changeovers, and 5 aid stations throughout the course.
• Ultra 50km: journey past the Ochil Hills, Bannockburn, Kings Park and ancient gardens. Visit the impressive Stirling Castle overlooking the River Forth and continue through Keir Estate and Bridge of Allan village to Cockburn Reservoir. Return via Wallace Monument, Cambuskenneth Abbey and the riverside path. Available for solo runners or relay teams of 3 or 6, with 3 or 6 relay stage changeovers and 5 aid stations.
• Braveheart 10km: A flat riverside route by Wallace Monument and Ochil Hills, crossing historic Stirling Old Bridge—site of Wallace’s 1297 victory. Follow in the footsteps of legends and create your own moment in history.
• The Wallace Warriors challenge is a 1mile, traffic-free, flat route designed for young warriors, those with accessibility needs, or those who use wheelchairs. Wallace Warriors can experience the same start and finish line as those in other festival events.

The partnership will feature:

• Dedicated MND Scotland fundraising places with discounted entry fees across all race distances
• MND Scotland presence at the race village throughout the weekend
• Special recognition for participants running in support of MND Scotland
• Ongoing support from MND Scotland’s Fundraising Team and the event organisers

Funds raised through this partnership will support MND Scotland’s range of support services, including financial assistance, counselling, bereavement support, policy and advocacy, and vital research into finding effective treatments and ultimately a cure for MND.

To register your interest for a charity place for MND Scotland, or to find out more, please contact: fundraising@mndscotland.org.uk.

Event page: https://mndscotland.org.uk/events/william-wallace-running-festival/

Images by: The Kilted Photographer