Features / Running challenge fundraiser to undertake half-marathon
A RUGBY player will complete a half-marathon in Lerwick this weekend as part of a gruelling year-long running challenge to raise money for charity.
Dylan Russell, 28, has run at least 35km every week since June last year as part of his 365 Challenge to collect donations for the rugby charity Hearts and Balls.
As he enters the final fortnight of his fundraising mission, Dylan is running 14 half-marathons in 14 days across each of Scotland’s health board areas.
His Shetland challenge, which takes place today (Saturday), will begin at the Clickimin Leisure Centre in Lerwick. It has been sponsored by Salmon Scotland, the membership body of Scotland’s farm-raised salmon sector, with a £300 donation.
It is the third of the 14 half-marathons Dylan is taking on.
Dylan, a keen rugby player from Musselburgh, has raised more than £3,000 so far, with all proceeds going to Hearts and Balls to support players who have suffered serious and life-changing injuries.
He said: “This is number three of 14 consecutive half-marathons which I’m running all over Scotland in every single health board area, right up until June 1.
“This feat, named 14 in 14, is the finale to my year-long charity running event called the 365 Challenge, which has seen me run 35km every single week of the year since June 1, 2021.
“All proceeds raised are for the rugby charity, the Hearts and Balls Charitable Trust. “I’m extremely thankful to Salmon Scotland who are sponsoring the Shetland section as without them and the other 13 sponsors the logistics of this challenge would not have been manageable.”
Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said: “The effort he [Dylan] has put in to raise funds for such an important charity is truly inspiring.
“We wish him all the best for his half-marathon in Lerwick, and with the remainder of his challenge as it enters its final stages.”
To donate to Dylan’s fundraiser, visit here.
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