Organised by registered charity Sport Aberdeen, the race has become a summer staple and forerunner to the annual Celebrate Aberdeen Parade.
The race, which was divided into three categories, saw runners dashing down the Granite City’s centre to be met by cheering crowds.
For a full breakdown of times visit the Sport Aberdeen website here.
Commenting, Sport Aberdeen’s Director of Business Development Jill Franks said:
“The Union Street Mile always attracts large numbers and this year was no exception. Each of the three race categories saw a brilliant turn-out while the streets were lined with cheering spectators.
“I would like to thank all the volunteers who helped on the day and Deeside Mineral Water who supplied the water that kept our runners hydrated.
“Sport Aberdeen is committed to inspiring people of all ages to take part in sport. We are proud to be part of local events which celebrate our city and we look forward to next year’s Union Street dash!”
Aberdeen’s most famous street will be transformed into a race track for the popular 1-mile dash which will take place on Saturday, 26th August, as a forerunner to the annual Celebrate Aberdeen Parade.
Entries for the 2017 races, organised by registered charity Sport Aberdeen, were snapped up in a record time this year, with all spaces being filled in less than 24 hours.
The race is divided into three categories: P6 – 7, S1 – 4 and the concluding seniors race. Entrants must be able to complete the one mile sprint in under seven minutes for men, and under eight minutes for women and children alike.
Commenting, Sport Aberdeen’s Director of Business Development Jill Franks said:
“On behalf of the organisers I would like to thank Deeside Mineral Water for donating the water, that keeps our speedy racegoers hydrated, for the third year running.
“We always receive a fantastic response from the public, with the race attracting large numbers of participants and hundreds more lining the streets to cheer on the sprinters. By running free community events, where people of all ages can take part in physical activity, we hope to inspire more people to get active within the Granite City.”
Martin Simpson, Managing Director of Deeside Mineral Water commented:
“As a local company, we are delighted to be supplying Deeside Mineral Water for the Union Street Mile and to be working with Sport Aberdeen.
“The water has become famous for its healthy properties and faster hydration and it is great to be part of the initiative to encourage people to become more active.”
The triathlon, run by Active Schools Aberdeen, will take place at Northfield Swimming Pool from 1:30pm and is open to all local P4 to S6 pupils.
Spaces are limited and registration prior to the event is essential. Places can be booked online by clicking here.
The local triathlon event will include swimming challenges, cycling and a 400m run, with activities to suit all abilities.
Jo Bell, Sport Aberdeen Director for Sport and Active Lifestyles, said:
“The triathlon is a great way for school pupils to come together from across the Aberdeen City and Shire area and take part in some fun and healthy competition.
“Active Schools and Triathlon Scotland have been working in partnership to bring this free sporting extravaganza to Aberdeen and I hope that this will attract lots of budding young athletes with their families there to cheer them on.
“Sport Aberdeen is committed creating opportunities and inspiring people of all ages to take part in sport and physical activity”.
For more information please contact activeschools@sportaberdeen.co.uk
Growing evidence points towards the fact that maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle can hugely benefit both body and mind. Getting the work-life balance right has never been more important, with many people in the UK spending up to 60% of the waking day in their place of work.
Substantial evidence suggests that physically active workers take 27 percent less sick days, while it is estimated that sickness absence costs UK employers £9 billion per year.
The Active Workforce programme, which has already been adopted by local Aberdeen employers, has been developed using a holistic approach to meet recommendations outlined by leading health professionals in the North East and across the UK.
The programme works towards delivering bespoke packages, highlighting the health benefits that come hand in hand with an active lifestyle, whilst implementing on and off-site activities. This includes subsidised memberships for employees and families, a minimum of two hours of free activity or consultations on site and regular presentations from Sport Aberdeen.
For more information on an Active Workforce programme to suit your organisation, please contact ActiveWorkforce@sportaberdeen.co.uk
The North-east now boasts the only sport and leisure venues in Scotland to be certified as ‘autism-friendly’.
As part of the Autism Friendly Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire project, delivered by The National Autistic Society Scotland, Garioch Sports Centre and Sport Aberdeen’s Beach Leisure Centre and Linx Ice Arena have improved their accessibility for autistic customers.
Staff have taken part in awareness sessions, designated quiet areas have been created in the buildings, and regular quiet sessions will be held.
Sport Aberdeen has also created an online film to help autistic customers prepare for their visit.
Jenny Paterson, director of The National Autistic Society Scotland, said: “I’m so pleased that both Garioch Sports Centre and Sport Aberdeen’s Beach Leisure Centre and Linx Ice Arena have achieved the Autism Friendly Award.
“We know that two thirds of autistic people in Scotland feel socially isolated – and we also know that very small adjustments can often make a big difference, meaning they can access and enjoy the places that many of us take for granted. The Autism Friendly Award encourages organisations to learn about autism and make these adjustments.”
Colin Taylor, Sport Aberdeen Chairman, commented: “Being awarded the Autism Friendly Award is testament to Sport Aberdeen’s ongoing commitment to changing lives and inspiring people through sport and physical activity.
“We look forward to working with the National Autistic Society in the future. Moving forward it is my hope that we can create an autism-friendly environment in all the Sport Aberdeen venues throughout the city.
“This is a brilliant step forward in breaking down barriers and striving towards making Aberdeen the most active city in Scotland by 2020, by and creating more opportunities for people of all abilities to get active in the North-east.”
Nicola Park, Out of Schools Club manager at Garioch Sports Centre, said: “We have been working towards achieving the Autism Friendly Award over the last few months and we are absolutely delighted to have been able to achieve this. We have worked closely with The National Autistic Society Scotland in upskilling the team here so they have the knowledge and skill set to support our autistic users within our facilities and activities.”
As part of its Autism Friendly Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire project, which is delivered with Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire health and social care partnerships, The National Autistic Society Scotland is working with local businesses to help them improve their accessibility and secure the Autism Friendly Award. The Award was given to Aberdeen Football Club earlier this year, and the charity is currently working with Sport Aberdeen, Union Square, Peterhead Football Club, Inverurie Rail Station and Crathes Castle.
The National Autistic Society Scotland is keen to support more organisations across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire to become autism-friendly. To find out more about the award, please email campaign.scotland@nas.org.uk
Walk With Ease was developed by the Arthritis Foundation in the US and has been shown to reduce arthritis-related symptoms such as pain, stiffness and fatigue, as well as improve strength, balance and walking pace.
The Aberdeen study hopes to establish whether people in the UK with these conditions are willing to take part in it and find the programme helpful.
Letters are currently being sent out from GP practices to potential participants in the Aberdeen area for the six-week community-based programme. Following an initial assessment of their mobility, participants will either receive the walking programme or a booklet outlining physical activity programmes in Aberdeen. Those who receive the walking programme will be given a guidebook and the option to either walk with a group or on their own.
All participants will be re-assessed after six weeks and be posted a questionnaire three months later to see what effects the programme has had on them. Some participants will also be asked to take part in an interview to discuss their experiences of being in the study.
The study also aims to find ways to make sure the programme fits within existing UK health and social care services. To achieve this the research team are working closely with patient partners and community organisations such as Sport Aberdeen, Aberdeen Sports Village, Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership, as well as national charity Paths For All to introduce Walk With Ease to people with arthritis ormusculoskeletal conditions.
The study is being funded as a joint working programme between ARUK and Pfizer Ltd, in partnership with the Chief Scientist’s Office of the Scottish Government and led by Dr Kathryn R Martin.
It pulls together a multidisciplinary research team from the School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition and the Business School at the University of Aberdeen in collaboration with researchers from the University of East Anglia.
Dr Martin said: “Walk With Ease has proven extremely successful in the US at reducing pain, stiffness and fatigue while improving physical functioning for those who have taken part.
“We want to see if the ethos and logistics of the programme can be implemented in the UK. This study will examine whether or not individuals with arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions living in the UK are willing to take part in such a programme and whether or not they feel it benefits them. We are starting with Aberdeen and hope that if successful it can be rolled out across the UK.”
Dr Natalie Carter, head of research liaison and evaluation at Arthritis Research UK, said:
“At Arthritis Research UK, we know that exercise, such as walking, can help to both prevent and improve the symptoms of arthritis.
Much more needs to be done to help support people with joint pain to stay active. That is why our charity funds a number of studies focusing on exercise and movement, and we are pleased to be supporting the Walk With Ease study.”
If you have arthritis or a musculoskeletal condition and are interested in finding out more about the Walk With Ease UK study, please contact Sarah Murdoch, study coordinator, at walkwithease@abdn.ac.uk.
Move More Aberdeen, a partnership project funded by Macmillan Cancer Support and delivered by Sport Aberdeen, offers a range of free activities to people living with cancer including gentle exercise groups, walking groups, gardening, circuits and wearable fitness trackers.
The service, which has reached a milestone of 300 referrals, has demonstrated an increase in physical activity levels, fitness, strength and quality of life for participants.
It will present its work at the International Union of Physiological Sciences (IUPS) 38th World Congress which is being held in Rio de Janeiro this week.
Jo Bell, Sport Aberdeen Director for Sport and Active Lifestyles, said:
“As a registered charity, Sport Aberdeen is committed to creating opportunities, inspiring people and changing lives through sport and physical activity.
“Through working in partnerships Sport Aberdeen is able to deliver a range of free activities aimed at helping people living with cancer to remain active whilst building confidence.
“We are extremely proud to be part of this international conference which has the power to help influence the future of physical activity and its proven benefits when used as part of cancer treatment.”
Josefine Björkqvist, coordinator for Move More Aberdeen and a Master’s student at the University of Aberdeen, said:
“Whilst there is good evidence demonstrating the benefits of physical activity for people living with cancer, there is still a gap in research around implementation and integration of physical activity into routine cancer care.
“We are excited to be sharing our work with the scientific community.”
Joanna Adamson, Macmillan Partnership Manager for North Scotland, said:
“This is an amazing accolade for Josefine and her team to be invited to participate in an international conference. It’s a fantastic way to present the work of Macmillan Cancer Support and Sport Aberdeen to the international community.”
The Move More Aberdeen team recently shared their work integrating physical activity into cancer care at the NHS Scotland Event 2017 and a detailed service poster is available online. The team will also be giving a presentation at the European Public Health Conference in Stockholm in November 2017.
Move More Aberdeen is open to people living with cancer at any stage of treatment and works in close partnership with NHS Grampian, Paths for All, CLAN Cancer Support and other local cancer services.
George Florence, 60, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2016 and struggled with fatigue as a result of his diagnosis and treatment. During his radiotherapy treatment George joined the gentle exercise class at the radiotherapy department at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
“Move More Aberdeen has helped me build up my strength and fitness,” he says. “It is also good to meet other people who have been through cancer.”
Ian Rae, 52, was diagnosed with bladder cancer two and a half years ago. However, a routine check-up found the cancer had spread to his muscles, lung and other parts of his body. He underwent aggressive chemotherapy before having an operation to remove his bladder, prostate and part of his bowel.
“The treatment really took it out of me,” he says. “It was rough at times. After the operation, it was a struggle to walk. Doing the classes helped me get my confidence and fitness back.”
For more information about the project, please call the Move More Aberdeen team on 01224 047925 or email MoveMore@sportaberdeen.co.uk
The Active Aberdeen Partnership Chairman is encouraging figureheads with a passion for club sport, and its power to transform local communities, to take up voluntary positions within an exciting and innovative organisation.
ClubSport Aberdeen is a new, completely independent, organisation which will focus entirely on voluntary club sport across the city.
This dynamic new body will represent all sports clubs, allowing the voice of clubs to be heard throughout all key sporting organisations in Aberdeen.
Tony Dawson, Active Aberdeen Partnership Chairperson, commented:
“To celebrate the arrival of ClubSport Aberdeen we are looking for leaders to come forward and inspire change, helping this new and exciting organisation to lead the way in the development of our clubs.
“We will welcome the chairperson as a member of the AAP board to help us shape the future of sport and physical activity in the city. We are very optimistic that this initiative will create a platform for positive communication and collaboration.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to revitalise club sport and couldn’t come at a more exciting time for sport as we aim to make Aberdeen the most active city in Scotland by 2020, by continuing to support local clubs and sporting communities.”
“I would urge those who are interested to reach out to the Community Sport Development Officer, Tom Lambert, who will be able to provide further information and offer support.
We are specifically looking for people to take up the following roles, each on an initial three-year tenure:
- Chairperson
- Vice-Chairperson
- Treasurer
- Executive Committee Members
For more information on each role please click here.
Local organisation Chevron took the top spot in the 2017 Corporate Team Challenge at the popular Granite City road race, which took place in May.
This year saw 52 corporate teams sign up to take on the 10K challenge, now in its 30th year, with Chevron’s team of 12 runners scooping first place.
Alongside the prestigious trophy, Aberdeen’s Transition Extreme donated an ‘Adrenaline Rush Experience’ to the winning team, including climbing, high ropes and riding the skate park.
Commenting, Sport Aberdeen’s Director of Business Development Jill Franks said:
“Congratulations to Chevron for taking the top spot in the 2017 Corporate Team Challenge for the Baker Hughes 10k running festival.
“Support from businesses makes a massive difference to the race and to the charities who benefit. Chevron were deserving winners with the fastest three runners bringing forward an impressive time.
“On behalf of the organisers I would like to offer my congratulations to the team, who we hope will return to the starting line next year. Sport Aberdeen is proud to offer a range of ways to encourage a healthy active workforce, which we know drives the engine of our economy.”
Sarah McConachie, Facilities Engineer from Chevron and an active participant in the challenge said:
“The Chevron team were delighted to take part and win the 2017 Corporate Team Challenge.
“The event was not only a great opportunity to build team spirit and create a sense of healthy competition, but it also gave us a chance to raise funds for Inspire, a local charity who provide a wide range of services for people with learning disabilities and additional support needs throughout the North-east of Scotland.
“The Chevron team really enjoyed the experience and will definitely be back to defend their title next year.”
Click here for more information on Sport Aberdeen’s Active Workforce membership
A series of free, short and social walks, exploring the boundary of the ‘Freedom Lands’ granted to the city by Robert the Bruce nearly 700 years ago, will launch on Wednesday 26th July.
The series of 8 walks will cover most of the historical boundary known as the March Stones trail, based around a ring of 67 granite stones measuring 26 miles in total.
Sport Aberdeen, in partnership with charity Paths for All and supported by the Aberdeen City Ranger Service, were able to bring the walking route to life after receiving £10,000 funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Commenting, Sport Aberdeen Director for Sport and Active Lifestyles Jo Bell said:
“There has been a brilliant response to the revival of this little-known gem right on our doorsteps, and we are very excited to launch this series of free walks.
“We have received a huge amount of interest from the local community who are clearly keen to learn more about our city’s hidden treasure
“Sport Aberdeen is committed to creating opportunities for people to get active and would like to offer our thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund, whose support has helped us bring this local project to life.”
How to book your place:
Places can be booked online by clicking here or by calling Sport Aberdeen Walk Leader Brian Harrison on 01224 047928.
The full programme can be viewed here.