This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Scotland Run in New York
03/04/2005
Scotland's Health Minister Andy Kerr today led off the annual Scotland Run in New York.
The Scotland Run is one of a series of events organised throughout Tartan Week which offers Scotland a unique showcase in the US.
The main focus this year is on strengthening business and cultural links, with an additional emphasis on health.
The Minister used his participation in the race to urge more Scots to make the healthy choice. Mr Kerr said:
"The Scotland Run is an ideal opportunity to promote our dedication to national health and I really enjoyed taking part.
"This is the most ambitious Tartan Week programme to date and the second year I have had the opportunity to take part in the run.
"The Scotland Run is a competitive race but you can also run for fun too. A lot of the participants who took part in the race did just that.
"We are working to make the healthy choice the easy choice for the people of Scotland. People are being encouraged to eat a healthier diet and to generally be more active.
"More and more Scots are viewing health as something to be enjoyed. Walking, cycling and jogging are just three of the many ways to build physical activity in to everyday life.
"If I can, you can. It's as simple as that. Little things like taking the stairs instead of the lift or getting off the bus a stop or two early can make a huge difference to our general health as well as helping us to feel good and live longer.
"Lifting the smoking blanket from our pubs, clubs and restaurants is undoubtedly the most significant measure in a generation to improve our nation's health.
"I am determined that we will turn Scotland's poor health record around. The people of Scotland deserve a healthier, happier and longer future."
Background information on Scotland Run:
- Around 3,000 people were expected to take part.
- The distance is 10km (which is about 6.2 miles) - all of which takes place in Central Park.
- This is the second year that the Executive has sponsored the race in New York.
- The race is organised by the New York Road Runners Club ( www.nyrrc.org) and is one of the races that allows participants to pick up enough qualifying points for entry to the New York marathon.
- The first male and female finishers in New York will be awarded free places in Glasgow's Great Scottish Run in September 2005. Scotland Run entrants will also be entered into a prize draw to win a trip to run in one of Scotland's three major 10Ks, the Great Scottish Run, the Baxters' River Ness 10K or the Edinburgh 10K.
Link to Tartan Week Press Release:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2005/03/11121440