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Brora Rangers manager Steven Mackay Loch Ness prep for a monster run


By Alasdair Fraser

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STEVEN Mackay is hoping that battling hills in training along the Great Glen Way will help him smash the 100-mile barrier in a fundraiser for disadvantaged children.

Steven doing his 3 marathons in 24hours for MFR Cash for Kids last year..Steven joined by players Ally Macdonald, Joe Malin and Ritchie Hart...Picture: Callum Mackay..
Steven doing his 3 marathons in 24hours for MFR Cash for Kids last year..Steven joined by players Ally Macdonald, Joe Malin and Ritchie Hart...Picture: Callum Mackay..

A year ago, the former Ross County midfielder, now manager of Brora Rangers, raised over £17,000 for Moray Firth Radio’s Cash for Kids by running 80 miles from Inverness to Dudgeon Park in Brora.

This time, he is seeking to complete a mileage of 104.8 – the equivalent of four marathons – in 24 hours between Wick Academy’s Harmsworth Park and Bught Park in Inverness.

Invergordon-born and raised, Mackay will pass his hometown and former club grounds during the incredible challenge – and aims to raise £20,000 this time around.

If he succeeds, though, he will be able to reflect on how the north Loch Ness-side long-distance path played a crucial role in training.

Since October 2019, the 39-year-old, now fully retired from playing, has clocked up almost 2000 miles to reach peak fitness.

Many of those miles have come on the dizzying heights and slopes of the Great Glen Way from Inverness to Fort Augustus.

“Training on the Great Glen Way, as tough as it was in terms of elevation gains, really helped me,” Mackay said. “It makes the flatter running feel that bit easier.

“At the end of May, I
ran 40 miles from Inverness to Fort Augustus and
that was a painful experience, but it was also a
good learning curve, getting me used to running
while uncomfortable. I’m as ready as I can be for the challenge.

“It is difficult asking people to donate again 12 months on, and that’s why I felt it had to be another step up and deserving of more donations.

“Last year, I left myself a bit of a buffer time-wise. This year, there’s little margin for error. It is a big step into the unknown.

“Without sounding silly, running up to 50 miles can be relatively straightforward. Going beyond that is where it all becomes very psychological.”

Seeing where last year’s cash benefited youngsters is a huge motivation for Mackay, who sets off at 3pm today accompanied in marathon-length stages by ex-footballing friends.

Those wishing to pledge can visit www.cashforkidsgive.co.uk/campaign/steven-mackay-2021-challenge/fundraisers/steven-mackay/


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