An ultra-runner is hoping to set a new world record by attempting “the challenge of his life” to raise funds for two charities close to his heart.
Kyle Greig, from Alford, is determined to break the existing Guinness World Record for the most miles run on a treadmill in 24 hours on Friday.
The official record was set by Bjørn Tore Kronen Taranger in Bergen, in October 2018 and stands at 164.36 miles – the equivalent of six marathons ran back-to-back.
The thrill-seeking dad, who is a manager at Aberdeen Sports Village, aims to raise £5,000 for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (Chas) and The Gathimba Edwards Foundation.
The charity effort, which falls on the same day as the CHAS Big Sporty Quiz, will be live-streamed via the Tartan Running Shorts podcast Mr Greig co-presents.
Despite being a veteran of countless long-distance challenges, including a third-place finish at the British 100km Championships, the 34-year-old is under no illusion this will be his toughest challenge to date.
Mr Greig said: “I have never found running a marathon to be daunting but running for 24 hours, in one place, without tactics, without changes in pace, without refreshing changes in undulations, and with a huge amount of pressure to break a world record, terrifies me.
“This really will be the challenge of my life so far but, as the old adage says, if your dreams don’t scare you then they’re not big enough.”
The daring dad says his motivation for helping Cha – which supports children with life-shortening illnesses and their families – and the Aberdeen-based Gathimba Edwards Foundation – which helps families in Kenya – comes from becoming a father himself.
He added: “Since having my son Logan just over a year ago and appreciating the joy he brings, I want to support children and their families that haven’t been as fortunate.
“Both charities I’ve chosen help vulnerable children live happier lives – Chas through its work at the two children’s hospices and its Chas at Home service and the Gathimba Edwards Foundation by helping to improve the lives of children and families in Kenya.”
VIDEO: Moray teen completes arduous challenge to thank charity that has supported family through lockdown https://t.co/RFm7CtcyX0 pic.twitter.com/Uh4B4BEzkF
— The Press & Journal (@pressjournal) August 24, 2020
Chas community fundraiser Emma Moore said: “Now, more than ever, we rely on our fundraisers completing challenges such as this to help us continue our work keeping the joy alive for the vulnerable children we support cross Scotland and their families.”
To support Mr Greig, search “24 hour treadmill world record attempt on Virgin Money Giving.
