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Two Scottish guys to attempt world record Munro round

Written by Fiona August 09 2012

Oh, I’m impressed by these two Scottish guys. Calum, 22, of Stevenston, and Paul, 29, of Irvine, both in Ayrshire, are attempting to break the world record for the fastest continuous round of all the Munros in Scotland, without aid of a motorised vehicle – and in just 37 days!

What are Munros?: Munros are the 283 mountains in Scotland with a summit of at least 3,000ft (914m).

Friends Calum and Paul met in 2010 when they were both working in the Seamill Hydro Hotel and realised they both had a huge passion for the mountains. Now their goal is to bag all 283 Munros by walking, running, cycling and kayaking in a non-stop challenge next September.

They will also be raising money for charities close to their hearts. Calum’s chosen charity is the MS Society because his mother has been a long-term sufferer. Paul’s charity is the Royal National Institute for the Blind, because his mother has a rare eye condition that affects her sight.

The guys and their Munros challenge

Here’s what they say: “Challenge MUNRO will push the boundaries of physical endurance, pushing the body harder and faster. Mind, body, soul and nature will become one in this tantalising journey across 1,600 miles of Scotland’s harshest, but stunningly beautiful terrain.

“Challenge MUNRO will also see us climb 130 vertical miles, which amounts to the equivalent of climbing Mount Everest 30 times.”

Paul added: “Challenge MUNRO is the biggest thing I will ever do in my life. It’s been a dream of mine to ‘bag’ all the Munros since I climbed my first Munro, Ben Lomond, in 2008. I initially got into climbing because it gave me and my dad an activity in which we could do together, but more importantly it gave me an opportunity to be alone with my own thoughts.

“What started out as anti-stress and frustration relief turned into a burning obsession to complete them all. I’m not religious, but I think climbing has a healing effect spiritually.”

Meanwhile, Calum describes himself as “just a regular guy with a desire to run and climb all of Scotland’s mountains”.

You can support Paul and Calum in their quest for the Munros world record by giving generously to their charities. See https://www.facebook.com/ChallengeMunro

 

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