Runner on a marathon mission

A father-of-four has set himself an ambitious goal of running 1000 miles in 2017 '“ which works out at just under a marathon every week.
Alan Lindsay has set himself the challenge of running 1000 miles in 2017. Picture: Michael GillenAlan Lindsay has set himself the challenge of running 1000 miles in 2017. Picture: Michael Gillen
Alan Lindsay has set himself the challenge of running 1000 miles in 2017. Picture: Michael Gillen

Alan Lindsay, a regional manager for safety workwear firm Arco, is pounding the canal towpaths to rack up the miles as well as entering no fewer than 12 marathons and two endurance races to reach his target.

The 48-year-old Maddiston man started his quest last weekend in the Kielder Dark Skies Marathon through a Northumberland forest and is aiming to reach 1000 miles by the Scottish Half Marathon in September.

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He is doing his marathon mission to raise money and awareness of the Macmillan Cancer Support charity. It provides free care for those suffering from cancer and is funded completely by donations raised from efforts like Alan’s, which he is doing in memory of late loved ones.

Alan said: “On the first of January 2017 I woke up and decided that I was going to start the New Year with a run along the Union Canal in Falkirk.

“It was freezing cold and during the run I found myself thinking back to friends, family and loved ones that are no longer here that I would have loved to say happy new year to and join me for a run.

“At this point I thought to myself what challenges should I take on this year for Team Macmillan, to help support and raise awareness to this heinous disease. I have decided to push my body and, in particular these old legs, a bit further than they have ever been pushed before.

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“I’ve done 373 miles so far and my aim is to do the 1000 miles by September. I would be very happy if I can do a sub four-hour marathon along the way as well.

“I did the Kielder marathon in four hours, 33 minutes so I’ve a bit of work to do.”

Alan’s marathon itinerary for the rest of the year looks like this: Madrid Marathon (April 21);

Belfast Marathon (May 2); Stirling Marathon (May 21); Edinburgh Marathon (May 28); Loch Lomond Mighty Hike (June 3); Men’s 10k Glasgow (June 18); Hadrian’s Wall Mighty Hike (June 24); Snowdon Trail Marathon (July 23); Great North Run (September 10); Scottish Half Marathon (September 24); Great Scottish Run (October 1); Yorkshire Marathon (October 8); Dublin Marathon (October 29).

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To donate to Alan’s marathon mission visit www.justgiving.com/Alan-Lindsay17 or text ARCO48 followed by the amount you would like to pledge to 70070.

Michelle Campbell, Macmillan fundraising manager for Falkirk, said: “Alan is incredible for taking on this ambitious challenge and we very much appreciate all his support and energy in helping us support people affected by cancer.

“He has already raised enough to fund a Macmillan nurse for one full week and he’s aiming to do so much more. Everyone at Macmillan will be cheering him on every step of the way.”