New Badenoch race could be a lifesaver
A new sporting event in Badenoch will boost the Highland-based life-saving campaign “Lucky2BHere”.
‘The Highlander – Escape the Redcoats’ will be a duathlon, following a figure of eight course consisting of 39-mile cycle and a nine-mile run through Glen Banchor, by Newtonmmore, and is to be staged on July 18.
It’s the brainchild – and potential heart-saver – of two local lads who despite moving on to new lives in the Central Belt maintain strong Badenoch roots.
The pair want to boost the local defibrillator campaign which has been doing so much to safeguard communities in the strath with the installation of the new machines in public areas.
Scott MacDonald, of Laggan, is now a fireman in Edinburgh, and has competed in many endurance events, while Dougie Bulmer is from Newtonmore and is now serving as a police detective in Glasgow.
An experienced triathlete, he has swum the Firth of Forth, Alcatraz and, as the “Strathy” reported in June 2010, the entire length of the River Spey.
Now they are just as excited at the prospect of establishing a major new event by their favourite river.
Dougie said: “The big cycle will be followed by a spectacular, but mostly flat, hill run, and hopefully will raise plenty of money for the defribrillator campaign.
“The event will start and finish within the Highland Folk Museum and it will be free entry, so there will be plenty to keep friends and family entertained.
“We genuinely believe this will be a great event for all levels of competitors.
“The cycle is predominantly on the quiet back roads at this end of the strath, travelling through some great scenery, and the nine-mile run is from Cluny Castle through two glens to Newtonmore.
“We have secured two estates’ permission and are very grateful for access through this spectacular area.
“Although the distances may seem intimidating to less experienced competitors, we have worked hard to keep the route both stunning, whilst keeping it very flat.
“We are confident any person with a little preparation can take part in this event.”
The choice of the folk museum, he added, will allow competitors to finish in the 1700s township with a re-enactment society putting on a show on for competitors and friends and family.
For more information on the event visit www.highlanderevents@hotmail.com and for more on the Lucky 2B Here charity go to their home page at www.lucky2bhere.com