Brora Rangers manager relief after completing charity run
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Steven Mackay has every right to be proud of his achievements over the last week.
The Brora Rangers player/manager completed an 80-mile run from Inverness to the club’s stadium at Dudgeon Park, raising more than £16,000 in the process.
Having been inspired to challenge himself, 38-year-old Mackay signed up for the Loch Ness 360 race.
But when that was cancelled, he ploughed on with his own event to raise money for MFR Cash For Kids.
After smashing through his £10,000 target before even setting off on Friday, he had an added motivation to go the distance, and the overwhelming feeling when finally crossing the finish line approximately 18 hours later was relief.
“I’ve never been so happy to see Dudgeon Park in my life,” Mackay explained.
“I was quite apprehensive about it, but the fact that I had a purpose to run for was great.
“A whole lot of emotions came flooding in. I had been training for so long, and I had run a lot of miles by myself in preparation for it, so it was nice to complete the 80 miles and raise so much money.
“It was just great to not fail, because there was always that possibility that I might not have made it, because I had never run anything close to that distance.
“The biggest emotion was just relief at the fact that I had completed it.”
Mackay’s longest run before last weekend was around 40 miles, so he had understandably been feeling the effects of his ultra-marathon.
He only really had one serious moment of doubt at the 60-mile mark, but refuelling with some food pushed him on to the end.
All the aches are worth it though because of the support he has received – and he might just go back and do it all again next year.
“Sunday was a painful one, but it was 100 per cent worth it considering all the money we’ve managed to raise for MFR Cash for Kids,” he added.
“We’re really thankful for everyone that donated, I’m sure the charity will benefit greatly from it.
“I’m delighted to have completed it, and we might plan another one at some point next year.”
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