LAURIE WEIR
The kilts are coming, and they’re coming in droves.
The 2025 Perth World Record Kilt Run has officially sold out, with all 1,545 spots snapped up ahead of the June 21 event. After several years on hiatus, the race’s return has sparked renewed interest and this year’s edition is about more than just tradition and tartan.
Coinciding with National Indigenous Peoples Day, the 11th edition of the Kilt Run will feature a cultural performance by Jonathan Maracle, founder of the Indigenous music group Broken Walls. A Mohawk from Tyendinaga with Scottish roots (Bruce and Ross on his mother’s side), Maracle brings a unique personal history that mirrors the event’s blend of cultures.
A Royal Revival
Perth’s Kilt Run first made global headlines in 2016 when it claimed the Guinness World Record for the largest kilted run, with 3,670 participants. The 2025 edition is capped at 1,545 in honour of Lord Darnley’s birth year, after earlier sell-out limits tied to MacBeth’s reign (1,040 and 1,057) were surpassed in weeks.
Event organizers encourage participants and guests to watch for the familiar favourites:
- Piper-led march to the start
- Castle-style start and finish lines
- Bagpipers at each kilometre
- Unique finisher medal
- Live music and post-race party
- One complimentary beer for runners 19+
Race Schedule – Saturday, June 21
- 5 p.m. – Royal Mile
- 5 p.m. – Wee Lad & Lassie Races
- 5:50 p.m. – Kilted March to the Start
- 6 p.m. – Classic Five-Mile Run
Participants can also tackle “The Sir Mike” by running both the one-mile and five-mile events. Finishers in all categories will receive medals, with awards for top overall, age-group, and fastest Perth-based runners.
Watch the website and Facebook page for more info. Road closures will be in place.
