WATCH: Downpour fails to deter Mind Your Head fun runners

The filthy weather did little to deter hundreds of folk turning up to take part in the 11th annual Mind Your Head Fun Run today.

It’s unlikely the conditions have ever been worse but more than 400 runners and walkers set off from the Cunningsburgh Hall for a soggy trudge around the area.

The now traditional jazzercise warm up got under way just before 2pm as the hardy participants put on a brave face ahead of the event. And then it was time to wander across to the starting line where Peter Tait from sponsors DITT signalled the start of the race.

There were serious runners, families, former jarls and future jarls taking part with plenty of walkers at the back of the mass of participants.

Among them were Allison Fitzsimmons from Cunningsburgh and Val Farnworth from Lerwick who spoke to The Shetland Times after finishing the run. Allison admitted they had done a “bit of running and a bit of walking” and “a lot of speaking”.

She said: “It’s a good social thing. We cleared our heads and did what friends do. It was good, the same as always.

“It’s a good event and it keeps it [Mind Your Head] in the public eye and keeps it to the forefront of people’s minds.”

Val added: “It’s good to see so many people getting involved and thinking about why they are here. Running is so good for clearing the head even in a horrible day of rain. There was no wind today so we were lucky –it’s all about being positive.”

More than 460 folk had registered for the event with more turning up for the Sunday Teas. Mind Your Head committee member Gill Gover said it was a big success for the charity which relies solely on public donations.

“It’s fantastic to see the same amount of folk year in year out. Mind Your Head has always been well supported by the community…

“It’s a great day even in the wet weather, it’s not enough to put Shetlanders off. It’s a fun day out that everyone can take part in – the serious runners that time their races, people with children, dogs, wheelchairs, push chairs or bikes. It’s a fun day out with a serious message and it keeps raising awareness of Mind Your Head and mental health in general.”

Full report and photos in Friday’s Shetland Times.