Central Park Turns Tartan as more than 8,000 Runners Participate in 12th Annual Scotland Run and First-Ever NYRR Youth Running Series

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Apr 04, 2015, 01:27 ET

NEW YORK, April 4, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 8,000 runners, ages 7 to 77, participated in the 12^th Annual Scotland 10K Run and first-ever NYRR Youth Running Series at the Scotland Run. The adult run covered 6.2 miles, while the youth runners partook in a 1.7 mile run in Central Park this morning.

On the first sunny Saturday of spring, the runners donned tartan, plaid and painted faces to join in the annual event, which is part of the 2015 Scotland Week festivities. Scottish Counsellor for the Americas, Donnie Jack, started the race, accompanied by pipers from the New York Metro Youth Piping Band, who also played the "Flower of Scotland."

The first adult male winner, Werkuneh Seyoum Aboye, crossed the finish line at 30:25, and first adult female winner, Megan Hogan, crossed the finish line at 34:20 and were awarded the ceremonial Scottish flag by Mr. Jack. For the first time, a youth running series was also held, immediately following the 10K. Hundreds of children, ages 7-18, took part.

Scottish Counsellor for the Americas, Donnie Jack, said: "Scotland Week offers a wealth of opportunities for people with an affinity for Scotland to celebrate the country's rich culture and creativity. The Scotland Run is a highlight of the week's events and brings people from around the world together to celebrate Scotland Week. The atmosphere in Central Park on race day really captures the Scottish spirit with bagpipers playing and Celtic dancers performing. We are very excited to be able to include younger runners this year and have them help celebrate Scotland Week."

For more details about the runners, please visit www.nyrr.org.

Also taking place during Scotland Week is National Tartan Day on April 6. Designated in 1998 by the US Congress, National Tartan Day is a celebration of all things Scottish and the contribution of millions of Scottish Americans. Other Scotland Week activities include the 17^th Annual Tartan Day Parade on April 11; the art exhibition, "A Brush with Inspiration," by noted Scottish artist Gerard M Burns, from April 8-15 at the Glasgow Caledonian University at 64 Wooster Street; lunchtime performances from April 6-12 in Bryant Park by Scottish pipers, singers and performers; among many other cultural activities.

About Scotland Week - #ScotWeek

Every year in the USA and Canada thousands of people come together to celebrate Scotland Week, the annual celebration of all things Scottish.
Scotland Week 2015 runs from Saturday 4^th – Saturday 11^th April, spanning Tartan Day on 6^th April.
Scotland Week 2015 comprises business, cultural, tourism and media engagements for Scottish Government Ministers, business leaders, and key industry stakeholders.
This year, the diverse program of Scottish inspired events and activities showcase the best of Scotland across New York, Los Angeles and Toronto.
Scotland Week celebrates the best of Scottish culture. Events include:
- A Brush with Inspiration - a portrait exhibition from contemporary Scottish artist Gerard M Burns on display at the Glasgow Caledonian University campus in Soho from April 8^th – 15^th;
- The Highland Divas, three artists from Ireland, Scotland, and New Zealand performing Celtic ballads in the Metropolitan Room on April 8^th;
- The National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA will present its 8^th Annual gala and auction – A Celebration of Scotland's Treasures on April 9^th;
- Lunchtime concerts – From April 6^th – 12^th, lunchtime concerts will be held in Bryant Park as a showcase of Scottish music and traditional readings. The New York Metro Pipe Band will play a special Tartan Day Observance concert on April 6^th; and
- Kirkin' o' the Tartan – The Saint Andrew's Society of the State of New York commemorates Tartan Day at the Brick Presbyterian Church on April 11^th ahead of the Tartan Day Parade.
Closing the week of events, the 17th annual Tartan Day Parade will see Scots and honorary Scots be led by Grand Marshall in a colorful procession on the Avenue of the Americas on Saturday 11th April. This year, the Grand Marshall will be Graham McTavish, star of time-travelling TV series, Outlander.
Full details of the Scotland Week program can be found at www.scotland.org/scotlandweek