Participate in the Kilted Mile at the Fort Nottingham Highland Gathering
Fort Nottingham Museum and surrounds
Saturday 24 August 2024
8am onwards
Unusual, Scottish themed athletics will be one of the highlights at the annual Fort Nottingham Highland Gathering which joyously returns to the KZN Midlands on Saturday 24 August.
The core focus is as always the various Highland Games showcasing brute strength and stamina: tossing the caber (literally throwing a 25 kilograms, 6 metres long pole) tug-o’-war (two teams literally pulling at a single rope with their bare hands – in opposite directions); walk the weight (carrying a 75 kilograms solid granite rock); weight over the bar (throwing a ring of 11kg flanged steel backward over a 5-metre pole) and stone put (throwing a rock of 14 kilograms).
The games are played by participating teams who need to be super-fit, well-co-ordinated and physically strong. This year a record number of eight men’s teams and five women’s teams will be fielded – one of the highest numbers of participating athletes in recent years; and the highest numbers of women’s teams ever.
One of the popular events is the Kilted Mile – which as always is open to the public as well as to competing athletes. This is a difficult and challenging mixed terrain, rocky trail run – literally up a hill and down again. Most suitable for the more experienced and fit trail runners of all ages.
The Fort Nottingham Highland Gathering nestles in the shadow of a mountain, formed as part of the uKhahlamba – Drakensberg Mountain range. Up to its crest and along the ridge, is marked the track of the FNHG Kilted Mile, reminiscent of the famous run at the Braemar Games in Scotland.
Tickets (R100) can be purchased on the day to compete in the Kilted Mile. The wearing of kilts is encouraged, but not compulsory! Members of the public are warmly invited to participate.
The competitive athleticism is complemented by the grace and precision of Celtic dancing, piped bands… and of course, the rousing bag pipes. In attendance will be, among others, the Pietermaritzburg and the Durban Caledonians and the Transvaal Scottish. Guests are invited to get into the spirit of the occasion by wearing tartan, eating shortbread and sampling whisky!
This year’s event will feature a range of locally-sourced market wares and Midlands based merchandise; food and beverage stalls; field demos, sword fighting and children’s activities;
Prebook your tickets on Quicket.
Bring picnic blankets, sun hats, warm clothing and fold up chairs.
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Run The Kilted Mile
