Commonwealth Games champion Robbie Simpson held a special training exercise with staff from a north-east business yesterday.
Staff from oilfield services company Schlumberger were put to the test ahead of the Great Aberdeen Run business challenge which will be held on August 26.
Mr Simpson, from Banchory, won Scotland’s final medal of this year’s Commonwealth Games in Australia.
The runner said: “Getting involved in the business challenge is a great way for businesses to encourage employees to improve their health and fitness. Bringing everyone together for an event like this is a fantastic team-building exercise.
“The Simplyhealth Great Aberdeen Run is a fantastic event and last year the atmosphere was superb with good support around the course and big crowds lining Union Street to cheer everyone on. The changes to the half marathon route, to take in Seaton Park, will make it even more attractive.”
The team from Schlumberger was treated to a personalised training session at Aberdeen Sport Village.
The company won the chance to be coached by the Banchory-born runner after entering a competition in June.
Avril Duncan, a sales administrator at Schlumberger, will be taking part in the business challenge’s 10km event.
She said: “The running was tough but I enjoyed it and Robbie has certainly spurred me on.
“Sometimes I lose a bit of motivation but this has inspired me again and now I’ll maybe try to run faster after what he showed us. I learned a lot about running, fitness and nutrition.”
More than 20 Schlumberger runners will be competing in the challenge raising funds for the Kayleigh’s Wee Stars charity.
