Latest news with #MNDScotland
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Dumfries father and son raise more than £4,000 for MND Scotland through marathon challenge
Michael Cole, who has motor neurone disease, was pushed round the Edinburgh Marathon in a special sports wheelchair by son Andrew. A father and son raised more than £4,000 for charity through a marathon challenge. Michael Cole was pushed round the Edinburgh Marathon in a special sports wheelchair by son Andrew on Sunday to raise money for MND Scotland. Michael, who is originally from Dumfries, was a keen runner, swimmer and cyclist before being diagnosed with motor neurone disease in November 2022. Despite the weather, the pair completed Sunday's race in less than four hours – but more importantly raised more than £4,600 for MND Scotland. Michael, 73, said: 'The crowds were amazing, there were tens of thousands of them along much of the course. Because we were wearing MND Scotland T-shirts and our numbers had our names on them we received endless cheers. 'I felt terrible because poor Andrew was grafting away doing all the hard work, I just sat there hoping we didn't crash! 'Thankfully he was cheered on and congratulated by many hundreds of our fellow runners. 'He ran a fantastic race, which was made much more difficult because he had to be constantly vigilant to steer me around all the countless potential hazards. 'The final stretch along the straight road into Musselburgh was lined with crowds of people, all of them shouting their support for all they were worth. 'The last two miles were just a wall of sound and smiling faces so I found the highly emotionally charged last few steps of what will very likely be my final sporting event completely overwhelming.' During the race, Michael wore a Scottish Fire and Rescue Service cap as other son David is a fireman in Edinburgh. He added: 'As we approached the finish line the announcer shouted out to all and sundry that, quoting MND's default saying 'here come two runners really making time count, MND is a horrible, horrible disease'. Sunday certainly counted for my family, friends and supporters. 'Try as I might I couldn't help but be in floods of tears for virtually the whole of the last mile but the last hundred metres really nailed it. 'We finished in three hours 56 minutes and three seconds, under four hours which was our goal, and so far we've raised £4,615, not including the gift aid of well over £900. My original target was £1,000 so we're thrilled and extremely humbled that so many people were so generous.' Dumfries Running Club's Sandy Shankland and wife Linda cheered on Andrew and Michael – who now lives in Penicuik – with club members having previously supported the pair when they tackled the Great Scottish Run last year. There's still time to sponsor them at JustGiving.
The National
26-05-2025
- Sport
- The National
Stirling festival seeks athletes for race across historic sites
Taking place for the first time on October 11 this year, William Wallace Running Festival has put out a call for 'teams of Bravehearts' from Scottish businesses to sign up for 50km and 70km relay races featuring landmarks like Stirling Castle and Wallace Monument, which form part of the festival's wider competition. Teams can fundraise for a charity of their choice or for the event's official partner, MND Scotland — an organisation that supports those who suffer with motor neurone disease, as well as their friends and family. READ MORE: Edinburgh Marathon results 2025 – see full list Festival co-organiser, Graham Coull, said: 'Relay teams are a relatively unique choice at running events and offer a fantastic opportunity for workplace teams to get together, share some camaraderie and have fun. 'The ultra events are a chance for teams of three or six runners to sign up and train together before taking part in an unforgettable experience as they race through Scotland's spectacular countryside. 'There are so many benefits to embarking on a challenge like this as a workplace team including healthier minds and bodies and the team spirit and camaraderie which develops when people come together for a common purpose.' The four racing routes for the William Wallace Running Festival are: Ultra 70km: A 70km loop of the Ochil Hills, Bannockburn, Campsie Fells, Lewis Hill, Stirling Castle, Bridge of Allan, Cockburn Reservoir, Jerah Forest, Blairlogie, Wallace Monument, and Cambuskenneth Abbey. It is open to solo runners or relay teams of three or six and includes five aid stations along the course. Ultra 50km: This race takes runners on a journey past the Ochil Hills, Bannockburn, Kings Park and Stirling Castle before continuing through the Keir Estate and Bridge of Allan to reach Cockburn Reservoir. Athletes return to Stirling Sports Village via the Wallace Monument, Cambuskenneth Abbey and the riverside path. It is for solo runners or relay teams of three or six runners and includes five aid stations. Braveheart 10km: A flat riverside route by the Wallace Monument and Ochil Hills which crosses the historic Stirling Old Bridge- site of William Wallace's 1297 victory. Wallace Warriors: A one-mile, traffic-free, flat route designed for young runners, those with accessibility needs or those who use wheelchairs. READ MORE: Bus routes disrupted across west Scotland amid Stagecoach strike Shorter races and more accessible routes are also available, including a 10km and a flat one-mile run aimed at younger athletes and participants who are wheelchair users or have other accessibility needs. Coull added: 'Not everyone will be able to, or want to, run a full 50km or 70km but running a shorter distance as part of a team is an achievable aim. 'Those who don't want to run can be part of the day by cheering on their workmates or helping as an event volunteer.' The William Wallace Running Festival was co-founded by Coull, his two sons and race director Peter Ness in a bid to fill the gap in the market for large-scale running events held in Stirling. Ness said: 'Our vision was to feature multiple race distances which trace routes with deep historical significance to Scotland's national hero William Wallace. 'There is something for everyone, whether you are an endurance runner who wants the challenge of a 70km or 50km ultra, an athlete or fun runner who enjoys a 10km or a young person ready to compete in a one-mile run." The festival website gives more information about the events and how to enter.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Running festival seeks 'Braveheart' athletes for race across historic Stirling sites
A CHARITY running festival in is looking for athletes to join a race across historic Scottish sites later this year. Taking place for the first time on October 11 this year, William Wallace Running Festival has put out a call for 'teams of Bravehearts' from Scottish businesses to sign up for 50km and 70km relay races featuring landmarks like Stirling Castle and Wallace Monument, which form part of the festival's wider competition. Teams can fundraise for a charity of their choice or for the event's official partner, MND Scotland — an organisation that supports those who suffer with motor neurone disease, as well as their friends and family. READ MORE: Edinburgh Marathon results 2025 – see full list Festival co-organiser, Graham Coull, said: 'Relay teams are a relatively unique choice at running events and offer a fantastic opportunity for workplace teams to get together, share some camaraderie and have fun. 'The ultra events are a chance for teams of three or six runners to sign up and train together before taking part in an unforgettable experience as they race through Scotland's spectacular countryside. 'There are so many benefits to embarking on a challenge like this as a workplace team including healthier minds and bodies and the team spirit and camaraderie which develops when people come together for a common purpose.' Ultra 70km: A 70km loop of the Ochil Hills, Bannockburn, Campsie Fells, Lewis Hill, Stirling Castle, Bridge of Allan, Cockburn Reservoir, Jerah Forest, Blairlogie, Wallace Monument, and Cambuskenneth Abbey. It is open to solo runners or relay teams of three or six and includes five aid stations along the course. Ultra 50km: This race takes runners on a journey past the Ochil Hills, Bannockburn, Kings Park and Stirling Castle before continuing through the Keir Estate and Bridge of Allan to reach Cockburn Reservoir. Athletes return to Stirling Sports Village via the Wallace Monument, Cambuskenneth Abbey and the riverside path. It is for solo runners or relay teams of three or six runners and includes five aid stations. Braveheart 10km: A flat riverside route by the Wallace Monument and Ochil Hills which crosses the historic Stirling Old Bridge- site of William Wallace's 1297 victory. Wallace Warriors: A one-mile, traffic-free, flat route designed for young runners, those with accessibility needs or those who use wheelchairs. READ MORE: Bus routes disrupted across west Scotland amid Stagecoach strike Shorter races and more accessible routes are also available, including a 10km and a flat one-mile run aimed at younger athletes and participants who are wheelchair users or have other accessibility needs. Coull added: 'Not everyone will be able to, or want to, run a full 50km or 70km but running a shorter distance as part of a team is an achievable aim. 'Those who don't want to run can be part of the day by cheering on their workmates or helping as an event volunteer.' The William Wallace Running Festival was co-founded by Coull, his two sons and race director Peter Ness in a bid to fill the gap in the market for large-scale running events held in Stirling. Ness said: 'Our vision was to feature multiple race distances which trace routes with deep historical significance to Scotland's national hero William Wallace. 'There is something for everyone, whether you are an endurance runner who wants the challenge of a 70km or 50km ultra, an athlete or fun runner who enjoys a 10km or a young person ready to compete in a one-mile run." The festival website gives more information about the events and how to enter.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Stirling charity running festival calls for 'Bravehearts' to join ultra races
A CHARITY running festival in is looking for central belt athletes to join a race across historic Scottish battlefields later this year. Taking place for the first time on October 11 this year, William Wallace Running Festival has put out a call for 'teams of Bravehearts' from Scottish businesses to sign up for 50 and 70km relay races through landmarks like Stirling Castle and Wallace Monument, which form part of the festival's wider competition. Festival co-organiser, Graham Coull, said: 'Relay teams are a relatively unique choice at running events and offer a fantastic opportunity for workplace teams to get together, share some camaraderie and have fun. READ MORE: Edinburgh Marathon results 2025 – see full list 'The ultra events are a chance for teams of three or six runners to sign up and train together before taking part in an unforgettable experience as they race through Scotland's spectacular countryside. 'There are so many benefits to embarking on a challenge like this as a workplace team including healthier minds and bodies and the team spirit and camaraderie which develops when people come together for a common purpose.' Teams can fundraise for a charity of their choice or for the event's official partner, MND Scotland — an organisation that supports those who suffer with motor neurone disease, as well as their friends and family. Shorter races and more accessible routes are also available, including a 10km and a flat one-mile run aimed at younger athletes and participants who are wheelchair users or have other accessibility needs. READ MORE: Bus routes disrupted across west Scotland amid Stagecoach strike Coull added: 'Not everyone will be able to, or want to, run a full 50K or 70K but running a shorter distance as part of a team is an achievable aim. 'Those who don't want to run can be part of the day by cheering on their workmates or helping as an event volunteer.' The William Wallace Running Festival was co-founded by Coull, his two sons and race director Peter Ness in a bid to fill the gap in the market for large-scale running events held in Stirling. Ness said: 'Our vision was to feature multiple race distances which trace routes with deep historical significance to Scotland's national hero William Wallace. 'There is something for everyone, whether you are an endurance runner who wants the challenge of a 70km or 50km ultra, an athlete or fun runner who enjoys a 10km or a young person ready to compete in a one-mile run."
The National
26-05-2025
- Sport
- The National
'Bravehearts' wanted for Stirling charity running festival
Taking place for the first time on October 11 this year, William Wallace Running Festival has put out a call for 'teams of Bravehearts' from Scottish businesses to sign up for 50 and 70km relay races through landmarks like Stirling Castle and Wallace Monument, which form part of the festival's wider competition. Festival co-organiser, Graham Coull, said: 'Relay teams are a relatively unique choice at running events and offer a fantastic opportunity for workplace teams to get together, share some camaraderie and have fun. READ MORE: Edinburgh Marathon results 2025 – see full list 'The ultra events are a chance for teams of three or six runners to sign up and train together before taking part in an unforgettable experience as they race through Scotland's spectacular countryside. 'There are so many benefits to embarking on a challenge like this as a workplace team including healthier minds and bodies and the team spirit and camaraderie which develops when people come together for a common purpose.' Teams can fundraise for a charity of their choice or for the event's official partner, MND Scotland — an organisation that supports those who suffer with motor neurone disease, as well as their friends and family. Shorter races and more accessible routes are also available, including a 10km and a flat one-mile run aimed at younger athletes and participants who are wheelchair users or have other accessibility needs. READ MORE: Bus routes disrupted across west Scotland amid Stagecoach strike Coull added: 'Not everyone will be able to, or want to, run a full 50K or 70K but running a shorter distance as part of a team is an achievable aim. 'Those who don't want to run can be part of the day by cheering on their workmates or helping as an event volunteer.' The William Wallace Running Festival was co-founded by Coull, his two sons and race director Peter Ness in a bid to fill the gap in the market for large-scale running events held in Stirling. Ness said: 'Our vision was to feature multiple race distances which trace routes with deep historical significance to Scotland's national hero William Wallace. 'There is something for everyone, whether you are an endurance runner who wants the challenge of a 70km or 50km ultra, an athlete or fun runner who enjoys a 10km or a young person ready to compete in a one-mile run."
