Running shoes on, rabbit mascot at the ready the ARCHIE’s Mountain Challenge kicks off today.
The challenge, the brainchild of Ninewells consultant paediatric anaesthetist Dr Paul Fettes, is a record-breaking attempt to scale every Scottish mountain above 1km all 130 of them in the form of a human-powered relay.
Around 50 athletes will walk and run over the peaks and cycle and, in one instance, kayak between them. Why are they doing this? To raise vital funds to help sick children across Courier Country to access the best possible facilities and equipment, and to support their families.
As each peak is conquered, the team will (unofficially) name the mountains ARCHIEs.
The team are carrying a relay baton in the form of a cuddly toy ARCHIE’s rabbit with a GPS locator on its back so you can follow their progress live at www.archiesmountainchallenge.org.ukThe first peak on the list is Ben Wyvis, an isolated and bulky Munro (1,046m) some 35 miles north of Inverness, rising like an elephant from the moors of Easter Ross.
Before they begin climbing, the team are planning a toe dip at sea level in the chilly Cromarty Firth near Dingwall. They’ll then cycle to the base of Ben Wyvis and run to the top with ARCHIE’s rabbit, named Rabbie.
While the main relay part of the challenge is the domain of experienced fell runners and cyclists, three community walks including today’s jaunt up Ben Wyvis take place over the next three weeks. There are still spaces available for the walks up Lochnagar on June 6 and Schiehallion on June 13.
Once Ben Wyvis has been bagged, the relay team will cycle north where the runners will take the baton up Beinn Dearg (1,084m) in Inverlael. They’re also hoping to conquer An Teallach (1,062m) and two of the Fannichs. And all in one day!
The challenge finishes around June 20 at the Rest and Be Thankful at Arrochar.
Readers can sponsor ARCHIE’s rabbit to climb the mountains or they can make a donation. The charity is aiming to raise £2 million and stresses every penny raised in Tayside stays in Tayside.