Athletes warm up for Monster Challenge

CELEBRITY model Nell McAndrew is among 1,100 athletes taking part in the 72-mile First Monster Challenge around Loch Ness today.

The race, starting at 7am, begins with competitors starting the event with a hill run up Craig Dunain.

The First Monster Challenge sees teams of four complete two relay legs, a 12-mile cycle and a six-mile run around the loch’s shores.

Miss McAndrew’s team, which comprises former Scottish rugby international Gavin Hastings and Inverness athletes Dave Cummins and Graham Whyte, is expected to be among the leaders when the race concludes at the Bught in Inverness this afternoon.

Speaking yesterday, Miss McAndrew said: “Not only do we have Gavin Hastings, who is fantastic on the bike, but I have a couple of local athletes who know the course well and are capable of some great times.”

She added: “The First Monster Challenge has become one of my highlights of the year. I enjoy the event and I love visiting this part of the world.

“The people are very friendly and the scenery is simply stunning.”

Sir Moir Lockhead, chief executive of event organiser, transport operator FirstGroup, said: “We have been overwhelmed with the interest in the First Monster Challenge 2009. We have teams from as far afield as Wales, Bristol, Ireland and even Barcelona competing.”