Today, Friday 22nd September, an Inverness man will set off on his first of 10 Loch Ness Marathons over 10 consecutive days, finishing on Sunday 1st October at the official Baxters Loch Ness Marathon.
Steven Burnside, who is a member of Highland Hill Runners, has dubbed his challenge the ‘10×10 Loch Ness Challenge’ and hopes to complete 26.2 miles each day for 10 days in aid of Mikeysline.
It is hoped that Steven’s challenge will inspire others to enter the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running ahead of online entry closing at midday on Monday 25th September.
Entry is available for the Baxters River Ness 10K, 10K Corporate Challenge, Baxters River Ness 5K and Wee Nessie, as well as some charity and club runner places for the marathon.
Speaking ahead of the start of his first marathon, Steven said:
“When I started running back in 2009, it was the Loch Ness Marathon that was my first race and it has been a special one since then – I have so many happy memories around the event.
“262 miles of road running over 10 days is likely to take a toll on me but the challenge of being able to pick yourself up day after day, to face the same routine and come through it with the amazing support of those around you is why I’m doing this for Mikeysline.”
Suicide prevention charity Mikeysline is also one of Baxters Loch Ness Marathon’s official charities, and Steven will be joined by many others running for charity on Sunday 1st October.
Malcolm Sutherland, Event & Race Director of Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running, said:
“We wish Steven all the best for his incredible challenge.
“Taking on one Baxters Loch Ness Marathon is an achievement, let alone doing it 10 times in 10 days!
“I hope Steven inspires others to take part in this year’s event, whether it’s the Baxters River Ness 5K, 10K, 10K Corporate Challenge or the Wee Nessie.
“We’ll be cheering Steven and everyone else over the finish line on 1st October!”
Steven added:
“I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me on my 10×10 Loch Ness Challenge and everyone who has donated so far.
“It means a lot to me but, more importantly, it will make a huge difference to people’s lives through the hard work and dedication of those at Mikeysline.
“So, on Mikeysline’s behalf, I give another heartfelt – thank you.”
If you would like to donate to Steven’s 10×10 Loch Ness Challenge, please visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lochness10in10
To enter the Baxters River Ness 10K, 10K Corporate Challenge, River Ness 5K, Wee Nessie or register for a charity place on the marathon, please visit: www.lochnessmarathon.com.
Entries close at midday on 25th September 2023, unless race capacity is reached sooner.
