An Angus man has hung up his running shoes – and his kilt – after completing a dozen half marathons in seven months.
Kevin Dryburgh, 41, pounded 12 courses the length and the breadth of the country to raise funds for the Down’s Syndrome Association and Down’s Syndrome Scotland.
Covering 157 miles in total, he chose to wear his national dress to support the charities which have helped friends who have children with Down’s Syndrome.
Kevin, of Forfar, said: “I feel a mixture of relief and satisfaction it’s all over, if I’m honest.
“I was really fed up with running towards the end of the challenge, but the fundraising campaign kept me going when I found it tough.
“The amazing sponsorship donations do make you feel proud and makes you realise people really do appreciate your efforts.”
He was inspired by the help given by the charities to his friends as he completed the half marathons, starting in Farnborough on January 27 and ending in Dundee on July 7.
He ran a half marathon every month, including the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Half Marathon in February and three half marathons in March – The Vitality Big Half in London, the Palace Half Marathon at Hampton Court Palace and the Croydon Half Marathon.
In April he donned his Highland dress for the Angus half marathon and in May competed in the Thames Valley Spring Half Marathon, as well as events in Southamtpon, Gatwick and Edinburgh before the South Downs Trail Half marathon in June.
He said: “These two charities are of huge help not just to my friends, but hundreds of families and individuals in similar situations.
“But the charities are not there every minute of every day.
“There are surely times when parents are tired and want a rest, but they can’t and they never would if the children needed them.
“So that’s my motivation to keep moving, if they don’t stop then I don’t see why I should.”
During his challenge he endured wind, rain, snow and sunshine, encountering blisters and painful kilt chafing.
Asked why he decided to don a kilt he said: “The only answer I can think of is ‘why not?!’
“If it was meant to be easy it wouldn’t be a challenge. A kilt really isn’t easy to run in.
“It hangs just about the knees and as such you feel it in every single step you take. It’s also really hot, mainly around the waist.”
To date Kevin has raised £2,763 for the charities.
Donations can be made via https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KevinDryburgh
