Awesome.
Totally why Metro Aberdeen is more than a running club. This event has taken so much planning, but it also took a dream, and as I type this, made it a reality. Coast 2 Coast. Aberdeen (Footdee) – Fort William. 172 miles. 17 legs. Lots and lots of excited runners.
Maps, evenings discussing the maps, routes, relay pairings… every eventuality accounted for. For an event like tho take place it takes a core of individuals committed to the project. Jackie, Peter, Kevin, Will, Roy, Robert, Chris and George all truly made this an achievable goal…they will never fully understand what this event meant to so many people…both the runners and the two charities that it supported. Captain Tom…there are no words for the joy and sense of achievement you have been able to help us attain. Your meticulous planning and positive attitude has been such an inspiration for many of us running the different legs. Your support on the runs, the live videos, the maps, the active root, the finer details and your commitment made this project what it was… amazing.
My leg started in Banchory and took the beautiful Deeside Path to Potarch. Rising up from the Scolty car park to the shooting greens then down in to Potarch. We set off at 8:06pm just a few minutes behind schedule. Our group chatted and ran together, stretching out but always regrouping. I met a couple of runners I have never had the pleasure of running with. Talking all things from ultra marathons to life after babies, to how much running meant to us all and how these events are more than just PB’s, times and racing…about achieving something as a team.
[wpvideo Xmo5O7k9 ]
We were all excited. We all carried the baton. The run was not about the time, it was about the overall challenge. No one person is bigger than the challenge, but ultimately the challenge only completed with the help of every individual, across 17 legs.
The pace was comfortable to the Shooting Greens, and increased a lot on the down hill but the route is fantastic and I have now ran it a few times and fall in love with it more each time. We arrived to the rapturous screams of the next leg and the support team which made the last part of the run so enjoyable. I recommend this route to each and everyone with all levels fully able to complete it.
All this running from the Metro has been to raise money for two great charities. The Gathimba-Edwards Charity and The Braemar Mountain Rescue Team. Dig deep for the charities at the following page.
www.totalgiving.co.uk/mypage/metrocoast2coast
Thanks for reading – I had the best time running – What was your leg? What was your highlight? Reverse next year?
Thanks for Reading
Run Long and Prosper
James
