North of Scotland charity, The Archie Foundation, is asking people of all ages and fitness levels to put their best foot forward by signing up to its Marathon March challenge.
Supporters are being encouraged to run or walk a mile every day throughout March while gathering sponsorship to help the charity continue its vital support for babies, children and their families.
Cassie McGunnigle, Regional Fundraising Manager for The Archie Foundation said: “We created this event to be as accessible as possible, so that anyone can take part. The goal is to walk an ultra-marathon in March which is anything over 26 miles – so it’s a really flexible challenge. We really hope that people across the north of Scotland will get involved and get Marchie for Archie!”
One Archie supporter who knows more than most on how to tackle an Ultra Marathon is Kate Robertson from Stonehaven. She has completed 31 marathons and 9 ultra-marathons to date with her most recent challenge of 12 marathons in 12 months raising £7,300 in aid of The Archie Foundation – Neonatal Unit.
Kate a Career Adviser at University of Aberdeen, whose daughter, Emily, spent time in Aberdeen Neonatal Unit, said:
“When it comes to fitness challenges, you need to stretch yourself but also ensure its achievable, you don’t want to set yourself up for failure. I had undertaken 17 marathons before my 12 month challenge so I knew it would be something I would be able to complete. It’s also great to support a charity close to your heart. We were so grateful to the staff at the Neonatal Unit and Archie for their support.”
The Archie Foundation, based at Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital (RACH) supports children and families across the north of Scotland, funding specialist roles, financial support, equipment and projects at RACH, Highland Children’s Unit, Tayside Children’s Hospital, and Dr Gray’s Hospital, Elgin. The charity also supports babies and families requiring neonatal services, as well as caring for bereaved children who have lost a loved one.
“I began my challenge in November 2019, and managed to undertake marathons in Malaga, Doha and Pateley Pie N Pint before the pandemic hit. Even with lockdown I ran five of my marathons virtually, still believing I would get to New York for my final marathon in November. Unfortunately, after another 3 marathons, the dream of finishing in New York was not to be and I finished my 12 marathons in 12 months with a New York themed run from Aberdeen Neonatal Unit to Stonehaven in November with my friend Tracey, who ran many of the marathons with me.” Kate said.
Last year’s Marathon March brought people together from across the north of Scotland and raised £18,338. The charity hopes that this year with inspiration from Kate and others who have previously taken part, that even more families and individuals will get involved and help beat the 2022 total.
Kate continued: “I finally got to the New York marathon in November 2022, which was amazing, but ironically Emily ended up in Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital needing emergency surgery while I was away, where she received support from The Archie Foundation. I really hope that as many people as possible get behind Marathon March, do a mile a day or get creative and create your own challenge and support a charity that does so much for so many.
Anyone who wants to take part in Marathon March can register Marathon March – Archie
