Poignant anniversary to be marked at marathon
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LEADING veterans’ charities have joined forces with the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon to mark 100 years since the end of WWI.
Poppyscotland, along with its sister organisation Legion Scotland, will form a team of 100 runners for the event to raise money for ex-service personnel and honour the landmark anniversary.
The charities are now welcoming applications to join "Team Centurion Poppy," the name given to the runners competing in aid of veterans.
Kevin Gray MM, chief executive of Legion Scotland, has urged runners to sign up.
He said: "Legion Scotland is delighted to support our sister charity Poppyscotland in raising funds to continue their full range of welfare services for those in need in the Armed Forces community throughout the country.
"We are reaching out to the organisers of the Loch Ness Marathon and to our many supporters to help us gather a team of 100 runners to form the Legion Scotland Team Centurion Poppy.
"The team will be made up of runners of mixed abilities, from those who want to be part of a fun-filled day in Inverness, to the seasoned athlete hoping to break a personal best, but all wanting to make a difference to those in need.
"We aim to raise £1918 as part of the Poppyscotland ‘Poppy Pledge’, but we want to smash that target, and we believe with public support we will turn this dream into a reality.
"Time to register for the race is now upon us and people will need time to train so we are urging everyone to come and join our team on September 23rd."
The Baxters Loch Ness Marathon’s race director Malcolm Sutherland said: "We are absolutely delighted to have Team Centurion Poppy running in the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon this year.
"We are very grateful to Poppyscotland and Legion Scotland for championing 100 runners for 100 years and suggesting our marathon to bring everyone together for this great cause.
"The Loch Ness Marathon follows a spectacular point-to-point route alongside world famous Loch Ness, starting in an atmospheric moorland setting between Fort Augustus and Foyers.
"It then continues through the stunning Highland scenery along the south-eastern shores of Loch Ness, across the River Ness, finishing in Bught Park in the centre of Inverness.
"The runners have a wonderful setting to run their best and raise money for the Poppy Pledge, marking 100 years since the end of WWI."
The Baxters Loch Ness Marathon features several different events, with a 10k, 5k, corporate challenges and the Wee Nessie race for those under the age of five.
Poppyscotland provides a number of services to former members of the armed forces across the country, including direct financial assistance, advice and supported employment.
The charity also offers veterans a drop-in service at the MacRobert Centre on Strothers Lane in Inverness.
It has taken part in a number of initiatives in recent months, including the Hearing Forces campaign to help veterans with hearing problems.
The charity also launched the Count Them In scheme, which was backed by cross-party MSPs at Holyrood and aims to close a "knowledge gap" in the census to identify utilities which are needed by ex-servicemen and women.
Poppyscotland has previously estimated that there could be in the region of 100,000 ex-service personnel currently living in the Highlands.
