Moray man Alan Ironside powers through maiden marathon to raise funds for nature charity
A MORAY man has powered through his maiden marathon to boost a vital project thousands of miles away from home.
Alan Ironside (28), from Forres, running with co-worker Keira Watkins, raised £3700 for the Tusk Trust, which funds the protection of rhinos, elephants and lions across Africa.
Alan travelled Kenya to compete in the Lewa Marathon. However, due to an unstable political situation in the African nation, the marathon effort was postponed.
Determined not to let the disappointment stop vital funds being raised, Alan and Keira both completed their first-ever marathons together in London on July 6 to ‘honour the distance’ they had expected to run.
Alan said: “I hadn't even run a half-marathon before, but it was a good challenge and a good cause.
“We didn't get to run the marathon in Kenya, but the people were very supportive so we wanted to honour the distance in London.
“It was tough but we got in done in the end. It was harder because we weren’t running as part of an event, it was just ourselves, so it didn’t have that atmosphere to energise you.
“It was really wet, which soaked my feet and caused lots of blisters, and I was cramping up over the last 4km.
“But we had great support and lots of folk to cheer us on, which was good. I aimed for below 3 hours 30 minutes and achieved that (3 hours 27 minutes) which was good.
“The challenge was a big one to take on but it was certainly worthwhile.”
The trip to Africa certainly wasn’t wasted time, either, with Alan and Keira seeing first-hand some of the project their funds will be aiding.
“We didn’t get to run the marathon but we still saw the projects that the money goes towards,” he said. “It was hugely impressive and the hospitality was fantastic.
“For us, it was always about raising money for the conservancy where the marathon takes place - which is one of the most successful in the world.
“Tusk Trust help support anti-poaching rangers, as well as supporting 27 schools in the area to help educate children.
“The money we have raised is going to be huge. It will go towards helping fund projects such as anti-poaching K9 units, and helping put students through school and building the infrastructure for that.
“The project is a really great example of how we could better protect our own wildlife. It was a very inspiring trip.
“I just want to thank everyone who donated. We have been overwhelmed with the support. It was fantastic.”
