Red Hose Race marks 500th anniversary

Apr 4 2008 By Judith Tonner

The famous Red Hose Race in Carnwath celebrates its 500th anniversary this year, and has been opened up to all South Lanarkshire adults.

It will take place on Sunday, June 22, over a three-mile course beginning and ending at the village’s John Mann Park.

The event is recognised in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s oldest road race, and to celebrate the landmark anniversary, South Lanarkshire residents aged over 16 are invited to enter, along with any employee or tenant of the Estate.

Entries are limited to 150 runners, and application forms can be obtained from www.redhoserace.co.uk.

Runners and spectators are invited to dress up in the attire of 500 years ago, and there will be a series of special events, including an open day at the Grade A-listed church St Mary’s Aisle.

There will also be battle re-enactments and archery from the Clydesdale Medieval Society, birds of prey displays from Avon Valley Falconry and traditional games from 1508, as well as music and food.

A competition will also take place to find the next official Red Hose knitter, with entrants invited to bring their efforts along on the day.

The tradition stretches back to 1508 when James IV gave a Charter of the Lands of Carnwath to the third Lord Somerville, and the race still has to be run to this day to meet the requirements of the Crown Authorities.

A fast runner would be required to bring news of any approaching invasion from the south to Edinburgh, and would be identified by the insignia of red stockings which the local laird must provide as a prize.