More than 190 people turned out on Sunday for the 12th Wastside Smiles, and the sun stayed out from start to finish. Walkers, runners and wheelchair users covered one, three or seven-mile routes through Skeld, Wester Skeld and Reawick on Shetland’s west side.
The youngest official was seven-month-old Jack Couper, the youngest member of Skeld Hall. Helped by his mother Kristen, he started the event in costume.
Locals mixed with holidaymakers and with people using the route as training. Lou Jackson and Laurence Hunter finished in their wheelchairs as they prepare for the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run in Glasgow this October. They are raising money for Ability Shetland.
Money from the day will be split equally among fundraising efforts by west-side residents. Eleven-year-old Joe Fraser and eight-year-old Kari Fraser, both from Skeld, did a sponsored walk for Michaelswood in Aith and Da Sand Gairdins. Twelve-year-old Sophie Eunson, also from Skeld, walked to fund cancer care packs for people having treatment in Shetland.
Others were raising money for climbs and runs still to come or just done. Shona Drummond, Ian Anderson, Billy Anderson, Iona Wilson, Jamie Wilson and Marianne Clark will climb Ben Nevis for Shetland Bereavement Support Service and the Scottish Ambulance Service first responders, in memory of Amy Arthur. Andrea Racekova and Dom Bogle recently finished the Simmer Dim Half Marathon for Mind Your Head, in memory of Erin Quinn.
A group of new runners made the trip from Whalsay. Da Whalsay Couch to 5K is a nine-week programme set up by Anya Risk, and it sent 13 members, from under 16 to over 60. For many it was their first 5K. Some found the course hard going. They had tea and cakes afterwards, then swam at Reawick beach.
At the finish, everyone got a Wastside Smiles water bottle, a banana, sweets, a medal and a certificate. Back at Skeld Hall the traditional Sunday teas were laid out, and sideshows and games kept the children busy. There were dogs and prams on the course too.
Organisers thanked everyone who took part, donated, baked or helped prepare the hall. The total raised is still being counted and will be announced later.
