During her athletics career, Kathryn Evans found 800m a gruelling distance to cover.
But now, the former runner from Forres has set her sights on a 100km expedition through the Cairngorms.
The fearsome event will see walking enthusiasts travel 70km by bike following a 30km hike today.
Ms Evans said: “I have never walked this far all in one day. Endurance events aren’t really associated with heptathlon or playing netball.
“In fact, one of my worst events was the 800m, and that was more than far enough when I was competing.
“I think this challenge will push me in a different way as I am a little older and have a few more aches and pains than I used to.”
An injury has kept the athlete out of the cycling part of the trip this time but she has already set herself a target of going the distance next year.
The Cairngorm to Coast Challenge begins at the Ski Centre in the national park before the participants move uphill.
After reaching a peak, they will then begin a descent into Coire na Ciste near Fort William.
Money raised from the endurance mission will be donated to the RAF’s Benevolent Fund.
During her athletics career, Ms Evans represented Wales in heptathlon and is a qualified netball coach.
Despite her fitness background, she admitted that preparing for the challenge has been tough, although there were other benefits.
Ms Evans said: “The training is challenging. The slow and steady approach has been adopted and I have increased the distances with every practice walk, but it has been a really good way to see the sights of Moray.
“I started off doing 10 to 15km walks. I usually go running four or five times a week, but I’ve had to stop that to build up my endurance.”
The former international athlete is now spearheading the proposed Moray Sports Centre in Elgin.
But, for the moment, her thoughts are firmly focused on the gruelling charity trek.
