Dirty Weekend in the Scottish Borders

Set to take place in the exquisite surroundings of the Tweed Valley in the Scottish Borders on 5 and 6 July 2008, Dirty Weekend offers the ideal opportunity for running, biking and kayaking enthusiasts to test their mettle. Dirty Weekend will be featuring some classic multi-sport event formats, which will have experienced competitors participating alongside amateur sporting enthusiasts, while having a great deal of fun and adventure along the way.

Using the grounds of the stately Traquair House as the Event Village where all events will start and finish, Dirty Weekend has a number of options for competitors to choose from. The Event Village will have a central marquee with catering and bar services around the central arena where the start/finish line will be situated. There will be plenty of activity in the village with announcements on race progress and results, as well as entertainment, stunt riders, live bands and activities for kids. The retail area of the Event Village will have the very latest gear for visitors to see, try and buy. Workshop areas will assist competitors with repairs and advice, and a number of masseurs will be on hand to pummel stressed bodies back into shape.

The events taking place during Dirty Weekend include the popular Polaris Challenge – an event that started in 1991 as the world’s first mountain bike navigation event. The Polaris Challenge has been staged in a number of stunning venues in different parts of the United Kingdom, as well as in Australia, South Africa, Germany and France. Participants in this two-day event can either pair off or go solo on an off-road biking hunt for checkpoints set up around the countryside, mountains and glens, returning to the Event Village overnight to compare notes and swap stories with fellow competitors.

Three different Ace Races will be included in the Dirty Weekend schedule of events, allowing competitors to choose just how far and how fast they want to go. Established in 1999, Ace Race has been a pioneer of adventure racing and the events during Dirty Weekend are sure to provide thrills, and possibly some spills. The two-day Ace Race, which is open to pairs and teams of four, starts off on Saturday with a complete day of adventure activities, followed by a brief night navigation stage, after which competitors catch some sleep under canvas in preparation for Sunday’s challenges. Activities include biking, kayaking, running and ropework, held together and dependent on navigational skills. A one-day Ace Race on the Saturday is an alternative option, as well as the two-day Ace Race Elite – a non stop rugged challenge that takes competitors through most of Saturday night with a short rest period before tackling Sunday’s challenges.

The Dirty Dozen, a new trail running event, which has been inspired by the rugged terrain around Traquair House, offers a serious challenge that has a light-hearted twist. Competitors can tackle this challenging 12 kilometer event dressed in army-themed fighting fatigues, or skimpy scrim netting, finishing the race off with a debriefing over a couple of beers.

Scotland is blessed with beautiful, rugged countryside that provides the perfect setting for adventure sports. Dirty Weekend offers a wonderful opportunity for sporting enthusiasts, family and friends to enjoy some of Scotland’s natural wonders while sharpening their sporting skills.