ENTRIES are now open for the fifth annual Gallop and Grind charity duathlon and Lochaber folk young and old are being urged to sign up and help raise thousands of pounds for local cancer care.
This year’s event will take place in Fort William on Saturday, September 29, and organisers hope to build on the success of the fun, family-friendly challenge which, since its launch in 2008, has raised over £140,000 to support individuals and their families in the Highlands affected by cancer.
The duathlon, which starts and finishes at the Lochaber Leisure Centre, challenges participants to complete either a short walk or run and bike ride through Glen Nevis in either competitive or non-competitive categories.
No skill or particular ability for sport is required to take part, with sections for everyone - from those who want a gentle walk to joggers and “elite” athletes who want to run and bike round the 13-mile course in the fastest time possible.
The event is organised by an independent and enthusiastic committee and is sponsored by local companies Marine Harvest, MacPhee and Partners, Ferguson Transport and Maclean Electricals.
Committee members and representatives from the sponsors officially launched the 2012 ‘Gallop’ on Tuesday during a ceremony at MacPhee and Partners’ offices in An Aird, Fort William.
All monies raised through sponsorship and entry fees go to the Gallop and Grind charity, The Sharon Fraser Memorial Trust - Cancer Care in the Highlands and Argyll, whose trustees distribute cash annually to hospitals, care centres and charities dedicated to providing care and support for people and their families affected by cancer.
Trustee Karen MacInnes said: “The Gallop and Grind committee would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks to all sponsors, participants and volunteers who have contributed so much to the success of previous events and we urge people to continue to support our event by registering today for this year’s Gallop and Grind.
“Together we continue to make a difference.”
* To register (adults £15, children £2) go to the website www.gallopandgrind.co.uk Registration on the day will be open from 9am-11am and the event starts at 12 noon with a warm-up led by staff from the leisure centre.
