Gillies Boyd, a 20 year old Agriculture student at  Scotland’s Rural Campus, King’s Buildings, is preparing to run the Edinburgh Marathon on Sunday 26 May … wearing wellies.

Gillies said: “I’ve always been physically fit and active especially when it came to any sort of long distance running like cross country (so) I  decided on my birthday last year to challenge myself and enter the Edinburgh Marathon to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

“I have had friends and family personally affected by cancer so I decided this is the cause I would like to raise money for.

Student Gillies Boyd is preparing to run next month’s Edinburgh Marathon in his wellies for charity

“This is my first ever marathon (and) I’ve been training for it for nearly five months.

“I knew it would be very difficult to complete, however, due to myself already being quite physically fit, I found myself wanting to further challenge myself.

“It was never really my goal to do the marathon in wellies, I only decided a few months ago to do so.

 I thought it would be fitting due to my deep connection to farming and for how long I’ve spent in them; there was no running shoe that could replace how comfortable I am in my wellies (but) I’m going to  pack lots of plasters, bandages and Sudocrem.  I’m sure I will encounter a few blisters, cuts and cramps when running.”

Originally from Argyll and Bute, Gillies is about to enter the final year of his degree course after which he aims to undertake a Masters.

He is been involved in agriculture most of his life, the family having been exhibiting and showing highland ponies throughout the country at event such as The Royal Highland Shows.

To support Gillies, who aims to raise £1000 before going to the marathon starts line see: https://www.justgiving.com/page/gillies-boyd

And what will happen to the wellies if and when they complete what is expected to be Scotland’s largest mass participation event with 40,000 runners? These will be auctioned for Macmillan Cancer Support after the race.

Bill Lothian
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Evergreen sports journalist. Previously published in many publications around the world. Send me your local sports stories. billlothian1008@gmail.com