Former Hibs and Scotland legend Alan Rough joined the Hibernian’s Fit Fans and Healthy Hibees in the Community Foundation offices in the South Stand ahead of the game against Partick Thistle on Saturday after they once again exceeded all expectations by running an incredible 1326 laps, 12.75 marathons, around the Easter Road pitch.
The runners had set themselves a target of completing three marathons, but their collective energy, enthusiasm and the venue inspired them all to run much further than anticipated.
The event kicked off at 6am when Fit Fan Glenn Milne began his first ever full marathon (at the age of 54). Over the next six and a half hours Glenn was joined by over forty others running different combinations of laps and mileage ranging from 3 laps to the 13 mile half marathon as the morning progressed.
Many volunteers and family members showed up throughout the day to keep track of the official lap count, prepare refreshments for the runners and generally show their support. Physiotherapist and Fit Fan runner Kevin McIvor also took time between laps to offer pitch-side massage for his fellow-runners.
Roughie said: “As someone who knows what it’s like to run round the park at Easter Road, I understand what a fantastic achievement this has been. For anyone to manage 104 laps is incredible and for everyone to run as many as they did is amazing. I would like to congratulate everyone involved.
“I understand that all the money raised will go toward offering such courses next season, so please give generously to this very worthwhile cause.”
Glenn added “All the money raised from the marathon will go to ensuring that the fitness courses available through the Hibernian Community Foundation continue next season.
“These curses make a massive difference to people’s lives. I have lost seven stones since taking part and feel much fitter and healthier as a result,
“I would also like to thank Tesco in Leith, iPro Sport and Nuffield Health Centres on behalf of the runners for contributions of food, sports drink and gym passes.
So far the runners are slightly short of their £5,000 target, but general donations are still coming in through Just Giving athttp://www.justgiving.com/Kris-Von-Wald.
General donations can also be made by texting 70070 from any provider using the code HITC78 and the amount you want to donate.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
