Fun run in memory of Rowan Boland helps young stars achieve their sporting goals
Last updated 25th May 2025
A fun run held in memory of a school-boy who died while playing cricket near his home in Galashiels is set to return to the Borders town next month.
Its main aim is to help other youngsters showing potential to compete at school, club, regional, national or international level, go on to achieve their sporting goals.
Rowan Boland was aged just nine at the time of the tragedy in 2010.
The talented young sportsman, who had an underlying heart condition, had already played representative cricket for the Borders Under 11s.
A trust set up in his name has supported hundreds of local athletes since it was launched, including Paralympic gold medallist Sammi Kinghorn, Olympic swimmer Lucy Hope and 2024 Enduro national champion mountain biker Corey Watson.
"Rowan would have fallen into the category of ‘an athlete who showed huge potential’ and would have been a worthy recipient of assistance from such an organisation," the Rowan Boland Memorial Trust states on its website.
"The day we said goodbye to Rowan was heart-breaking and unimaginably hard, however the words shared by those in attendance at the service express what Rowan meant to so many people. It is through this Trust and these words that Rowan will be remembered."
This year’s event, organised with the support of local running club Gala Harriers, takes place at Galashiels Cricket Club on Sunday, June 8th.
A junior fun run will see all children who enter receive a medal, while there are trophies up for grabs for those taking part in the 5km Meigle Run in various categories.
The 5km Meigle Run is also open to anyone who wishes to walk the route, and dogs on leads are welcome.
A barbecue, bouncy castle and ice cream van are also available on the day for runners, walkers and spectators.
Registration for the Junior Fun Run is from 10.30am for an 11.30am start, and for the 5km Meigle Run, walkers and runners can register from 11am for a 12noon start.
To enter the 5km Meigle Run, visit http://www.entrycentral.com/RowanBoland5k
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