A mysterious kilted colossus emerged from the early morning mists on Perth’s North Inch.
The tartan-clad monster is on a mission to sign up as many people as possible for a summer world record attempt.
The as-yet-unnamed mascot is set to become a familiar figure in coming months as the buildup to the 2013 Perth Kilt Run reaches a climax.
The August 10 kilt run is a bid to have as many plaid-clad athletes as possible running at the same time. The giant mascot was put through his paces in a practice session by four of the county’s young Ultimate Sports Leaders.
He also had the pleasure of meeting Perth and Kinross Provost Liz Grant, who launched the bid to find a name for the kilted crusader.
She said: “Today we’re launching a competition for kids on the Perth Kilt Run website to name our mascot and win some fantastic prizes.
“We’re asking for suggestions to help rally runners to join in our attempt to bring the kilt run world record to Scotland.”
This year’s shorter, off-road event over five kilometres is now open to children aged five to 15, as well as adults.
To mark this, the provost appealed to local youngsters to take part in the race and, also, to find a name for the new mascot.
She said: “Runners from all areas of Scotland, across the UK and beyond took part in last year’s first event in Perth, when the world record target was only narrowly missed.
“It is hoped that fun runners from across the country will don their kilts and, this time, secure the world record.”
The record is currently held by Perth, Onatario, which will try to beat it again this summer before the Fair City has another crack at it.
Last year, the Scottish version missed out by just 19 participants, having marshalled an incredible 1,070 runners.The event was one of a series of summer spectaculars which brought a welcome boost for city centre businesses.
The kilt run was part of the largest Diamond Jubilee celebrations north of the border, which brought almost 25,000 people to Perth, helped by a massed turnout of over 1,000 pipers.
As well as a positive outcome for businesses, the charities supported by the run also reaped the benefits.
More than £10,000 was raised for its two nominated charities, Perth and Kinross Association of Voluntary Service (PKAVS) and ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.
To ensure a similar festival atmosphere as last year, the 2013 kilt run has been organised to coincide with Perth Highland Games to make it the busiest weekend of the year for the city.
The mascot-naming competition is open to children aged five to 15 who live in the Perth and Kinross Council area.
The name and prizewinner will be announced on June 24 after Perth Ontario’s kilt race, when the new world record target to beat will be set.
To coincide with the mascot launch, a range of competitions and prizes for all race participants is also to be announced, with details of the family fun day activities to follow.
Entry to the Perth Kilt Run is £15 for adults and £5 for under-16s. Online entries can be made now at www.perthkiltrun.co.uk, where full information on this year’s event is also available.