A Largs runner is literally 'moving mountains' as he attempts to hit 'peak' fitness for a remarkable challenge he is taking part in this week.
Alasdair McCallum is raising money for Maggie's Centres as he attempts to run 42 peaks in a 24 hour effort in the Lake District which will be broadcast live.
The 58 year old athlete said: "I have been inspired for many years now by Maggie’s, the work that they do all the amazing support that they provide. All my efforts on this amazing challenge in the mountains is for them.
The name of the gruelling challenge is '42 Peaks in 24 Hours Challenge' for Maggie’s."
Alasdair continued: "I’ll be setting off from the Moot Hall in Keswick town centre at 11pm on Friday, June 16.
"My challenge is called ‘The Bob Graham Round’ and is a fell running challenge in the English Lake District.
"It is named after Bob Graham (1889–1966), a Keswick guest-house owner, who in June 1932 broke the Lakeland Fell record by traversing 42 fells within a 24-hour period.
"Traversing the 42 fells, starting and finishing at Keswick Moot Hall, involves 66 miles (106 km) with 26,900 feet (8,200 m) of ascent."
Alasdair, who lives in Alexander Avenue, has been training hard for the big event, and has thanked his family including wife Helen, and two grown up daughters Olivia, 18, and Alanna-Jo, 21, for their support, along with brilliant assistance of North Ayrshire Athletics Club.
He said: "Without a doubt this is my biggest challenge to date. It’s going to be very hot and dry, 42 up and downs, 66 miles and 27,000 feet of ascent all in under 24 hours.
Asked about his motivation behind the exhausting challenge, Alasdair said: "The answer is simple - because I am able to give it my all, I am lucky and very grateful to be in good health where many people are not so lucky.
"I will be taking loads of water, sun cream, salt tablets and plenty of nutritious food. I have a team of 20 supporting me on each leg, there are five, and a driver who will taxi everyone to their required location. There are eight attempts heading out the same day, and it’s also close to my wedding anniversary."
And Alasdair is more than familiar with the territory having been on support teams helping others take on the challenge - but now the boot is on the other foot as he takes on the 42 peaks.
He said: "I’ve been training for about four years and have supported on five successful Bob Graham Rounds over that period including loads of trips down to the Lake District to carry out recce.
"I’m in my 59th year now and wanted to give it a bash before I turn 60."
Watch Alasdair's challenge live online here:
https://live.opentracking.co.uk/bgr2023/?b=20
Donate to Alasdair's challenge for Maggie's Centres here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/42lakelandpeak24hourchallenge?utm_source=copyLink&utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=42lakelandpeak24hourchallenge&utm_campaign=pfp-share&utm_term=719b5a25a6924481b7c45347a6d3403f&fbclid=IwAR2__SEBUjg52YzW86AYqt_sGxUTLqVg-69smhgbjemPEgr-DF4nV0JpX0o
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