From Fethaland to Sumburgh for runner in memory of dad
A FUNDRAISER is taking on a 70-mile run from the top to bottom of the Shetland mainland later this year for charity in memory of his late father.
Ryan Calder, who used to live in Shetland, will run from Fethaland to Sumburgh Head on 3 September.
The fire fighter – now living in Elgin – said his dad passed away last year.
One of the charities Ryan is running for is the Disabilities Trust.
“My dad passed away last June and had been supported by a couple of charities prior to that,” he said.
“I decided that I would raise money for them in his memory, and perhaps publicity around the run and charities might prompt people who need help to seek it out.”
Ryan will detour through Lerwick, and he will also run through Levenwick as he is not keen on going along the A970 there – a piece of road which is set for an upgrade due to safety concerns.
“I’m hoping to start at 5am and complete it in 11 to 14 hours,” he added. “Fingers crossed for good weather.
“I will have family support for aid stations, providing water and food, and hopefully some encouragement from members of the public.”
Ryan said he is “by no means a natural runner, I didn’t do sports or have an athletic build, so it’s a lot of hard work, a lot of complaining about being tired, and 40-60 miles a week of training from now until then”.
Despite this, he has already completed two 35-mile races and is now preparing for his longest run yet.
People can donate to Ryan’s online fundraising page here.
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