The 2010 Elizabeth Celtic Festival
Scottish Athletics
The Heart of a Highland Games
Karl Dodge throwing the 56 pound weight for distance.
Karl Dodge throwing the 56 pound weight for distance.
This Festival has had two World Records: the first was in 1998 when Karl Dodge from Greeley threw the Heavy Weight (56 pounds) for a distance of virtually 48 feet. That broke the record of Scottish Champion Francis Brebner by nearly seven inches. The second World Record was a tie by two Women Athletes in 2001: Kelly Hume and Morgan Redd tied the World Record in the Women's Sheaf Toss at 25'-5".
Highland Scots used these athletic events to keep their warrior prowess finely honed. The most famous Scottish Athletic Event is the Caber Toss, tossing a pole, fifteen to twenty one feet long, end-for-end. It's thrilling to watch. A caber is also heavy--sometimes weighing nearly 120 pounds.
Additionally, there is the Hammer Throw, the Weights for Distance (heavy and light), the Stone Put, the Sheaf Toss, and the Weight for Height events--seven events in all. There are contests for both men and women. The crowds really get involved the Athletic Events, and you can hear them roar with approval and delight when an athlete does well. (They also groan when an athlete doesn't succeed.)
This contest is sanctioned by the Rocky Mountain Scottish Athletes, a world-recognized association. Events start at 9:30 a.m. both days.
Printable 2010 Information Sheet & Entry Form (pdf) (2 pages)