Hundreds of runners will lug sacks of spuds around Perth city centre again this summer.
Organisers of the Great Perthshire Tattie Run have confirmed the event will be returning on August 8.
Now in its third year, the spud run, which is a spin-off from Edinburgh’s Great Scottish Tattie Run, has well and truly got under the Fair City’s skin.
Competitors will carry their sacks of tatties for a mile through the city centre to be rewarded with the bag they carried and a medal.
Around 75 people have already signed up for the popular free event, which last year was held on the same day as Perthshire Pride and the Medieval Fayre.
An enormous delivery of thousands of kilograms of potatoes will arrive in Perth city centre at 7am, provided by Abernethy spud specialists Branston.
Men will cart 20kg bags on their shoulders, women will be handed 10kg sacks and youngsters looking to join in will have their own Spun and Spoon race.
With the team behind the event aiming to get 500 runners signed up, the afternoon’s affairs will be far from starchy.
Last summer 340 runners took on the gruelling challenge, many of whom will be back looking to complete the run as individuals or in relay team.
This year, there will be a new route for the root vegetables since works at Perth City Hall will block off the path usually followed.
Runners will complete two laps of Perth High Street, starting at the junction with King Edward Street and heading up towards the western end of the pedestrianised zone.
The carb-carriers will then double back towards the river, looping around St John’s Kirk on their first lap and St John Street and Kirkgate on the home straight.
Organiser Terry Crossley said: “Three years ago, Perth and Kinross Council approached us about our Great Scottish Tattie Run. That’s us got sign-off now for the third Great Perthshire Run and we’ve already got about 75 people signed up.
“Because of works at Perth City Hall, we’ve been moved to the High Street. That’s actually a better, more prominent position.
“It’s free to enter online and you get a medal and your tatties at the end too.”
