Mini Monster proves to be mammoth success

SCORES of cyclists and runners turned out in Aberdeen yesterday to take part in a bike and run event to raise vital funds for charities.

The inaugural Mini Monster, which saw nearly 150 competitors take part, was held at Hazlehead Park with a race for families and a more challenging event for adults.

The family race saw teams of four complete two running sections, each 1.5K long, and two 5K cycling sections. In the adult event teams of four also tackled two runs and two cycles – the run was 3K and the cycle 10K.

One of the world’s top endurance athletes, Aberdeen ironman triathlete Scott Neyedli, 30, won the adult event. Afterwards he said: “It was a brilliant event. The atmosphere was fantastic. It was great to see so many youngsters and families taking part. I certainly hope the Mini Monster will become a fixture in the calendar.”

The event was sponsored by transport giant First which had employees competing. Finishing in second place was First’s Lost Property Team led by John Ralph, 56, who tackled the race kitted out in lost property items collected from First’s Aberdeen bus operations.

He said: “The main objective was to raise cash for Save the Children and it was great to see so many people cheering me on.”

Sir Moir Lockhead, chief executive of the Aberdeen-based transport giant, said: “It was wonderful to see such a large and enthusiastic field and particularly pleasing to see so many families, and of course First staff participating.”