A group of eight runners are hoping to complete a double West Highland Way relay in less than 24 hours.
The group, including four GB ultra runners and an Irish mountain running international, start the 192-mile off-road challenge tomorrow.
The Pyllon Endeavour bid is raising money for mental health charity, SAMH.
The West Highland Way is one of the world’s best-known long-distance trails. Some 36,000 people are estimated to walk the route from Milngavie, just north of Glasgow, to Fort William, in the Highlands, every year. More than 120,000 use the path annually.
Every June, a West Highland Way Race challenges runners to take on the feat of racing a non-stop 96 miles.
Winner Paul Giblin at the start of the WHW Race 2015.
Pyllon Endeavour
Pyllon Endeavour is being led by Paul “Pyllon” Giblin, himself a three-time winner of the West Highland Way Race.
Each of the eight athletes will run at least three sections and approximately 26 miles in total.
Even before they set off, the Pyllon Endeavour WHW out-and-back in 24 hours challenge has almost doubled their expected target for SAMH. See JustGiving Pyllon Endeavour.
The mental health aspect of the bid is poignant to the team. Paul said: “Ultra running is a difficult sport – and running 100 miles is said to be like living the many ups and downs of life in just one day.
“For many of us, it has become our way of managing the stresses of everyday life and we know that running has the potential to help many others.
“The sport has done so much for each of us, so tackling this incredible challenge as a team is our way of celebrating the challenges we face individually every day.
“And whatever the outcome, we know that the strength of our community will shine through”
The other athletes are James Stewart (WHW, Rocky Racoon and Tooting 24hr winner and GB 24hr athlete); John Connolly (Devil of the Highlands winner and 2nd at the Highland Fling); Graham Connolly (Kintryre Way Ultra winner); Marco Consani (Lakeland 100 winner, GB 24hr athlete); Chris Cowley (Hardmoors 160 winner, podium at Glenmore 24); Robert Turner (British 100K champion and GB 100K athlete) and Eoin Lennon (Irish national mountain runner, podium at Devil of the Highlands, multiple hill/fell race wins).
The bid starts at 4pm on Friday, November 16, at Milngavie. See Pyllon Endeavour. Keep track with GPS event tracker.
Please do donate to this amazing challenge: JustGiving Pyllon Endeavour .
Also see Beginner tips to walking the West Highland Way
Paul Giblin’s record breaking third win at West Highland Way Race.