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Spike is on his marks





HE HATES running with a passion and always has, but a Moray man is now

Elgin’s Mark Russell gets in some last minute training before taking on one of the
Elgin’s Mark Russell gets in some last minute training before taking on one of the

Elgin’s Mark Russell gets in some last minute training before taking on one of the

preparing to hit the wall, metaphorically and literally, when he takes up a marathon challenge later this month.

Taekwondo champ Mark (Spike) Russell will be among 2,000 people running along the Great Wall of China in searing heat to cover a gruelling 26.2 mile course that includes 5,164 steps.

Mr Russell (37) signed up for the May 21 run to raise money for charities Asthma UK and Kidney Support Scotland, while also testing himself to the limit.

“I’ve never done one before, but I decided to do a marathon and thought I would like to find the one that would be the most challenging – both mentally and physically.

“I’ve done the Moray Marafun before, but I struggled with that. I just don’t enjoy running.

“I could kick and punch all day – I love doing that. But running, I find really hard to do,” he said.

In order to conquer the famous landmark’s irregular and numerous steps, Mr Russell has been running up and down as many stairs as possible.

“I’ve been doing different things. I was lucky that Elgin Academy let me in to use their tower block, so I’ve been running up and down there for an hour early in the morning, just to make the training more specific,” he said.

Mr Russell, who runs Focus Martial Arts Centre, is fortunate to have a former member of the marines among his friends, who has also been putting him through his paces.

“I’m just a plodder, I’m not a fast runner at all, but these guys have helped me,” he said.

Mr Russell has paid for his own travel, accommodation, expenses and entry – meaning that all money raised goes to his chosen charities for use in the local area.

Going alone, he admitted he is slightly apprehensive but looking forward to getting stuck in.

“The organisers say that you should, generally, add about 50% onto a normal marathon time because it is so hard. That is because of the heat, humidity, and there are also the steps that you have to go up and down, of all different sizes. Apart from that, it is easy,” he joked.

“This is totally out of my comfort zone, but I like setting myself a challenge and I want to push myself. Ultimately, my goal is to come back in once piece,” he said.

Anyone who would like to back Spike’s chosen charities can sponsor him either at Focus or at Manna Juice on Elgin’s Thunderton Place.


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