Christmas Eve marathon in Elgin to raise funds for Multiple Sclerosis Society
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A CHRISTMAS Eve marathon around Morriston Playing Fields in Elgin is set to raise more than £1000 for charity.
Ben Hirst (28), from Leicester, has left it late but is set to complete his New Year's resolution of running a marathon in 2021 – and is doing so to raise funds for Multiple Sclerosis Society.
The 28-year-old is tying the marathon in with a trip north to see his wife Tilly's parents – who stay in Buckie.
And choosing to run in Moray is fitting as Tilly's mum – who was diagnosed with MS at a young age – is the inspiration behind the charity choice.
Ben said: "Till's mum suffers with MS and has done since she was 21.
"She's a trooper so she would never show it, but I wanted to do the run on her behalf.
"The plan was to raise £1000 and, with a few people left to donate, I'm potentially going to go over that – so I'm really happy."
The marathon certainly hasn't come out of the blue. Ben has trained for this moment, and has run 11 half marathons in 2021 to build up to the big one.
However, this will be his first ever experience running this distance.
"I set a goal at the start of the year to run 12 half marathons," he said. "But I decided to make it 11 halfs and a marathon in Scotland.
"I've always been interested in running and have picked up again since Covid-19.
"But this will be the first marathon I've ever done. I'm hoping to get under four hours."
Ben will be supported by his family during the run at Morriston.
You can also support him by donating to his cause at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/BenHirstMarathon.
