A BRAVE runner from Musselburgh is taking on 14 half-marathons in as many days across the length and breadth of Scotland to raise vital funds for ex-rugby players with life-changing injuries.
Dylan Russell is running 13.1 miles in every health board area, creating an epic end to a gruelling year-long challenge which has seen him complete 35km every week since the start of last June.
He’s more than halfway through the mammoth test having been to Thurso, Shetland, Orkney, Aberdeen, Perth, Stirling, Glasgow and Stornoway already with trips to Ayr, Biggar, the Fife coast, Dumfries, the Borders and Edinburgh still to come.
And he’s fighting through mental battles and physical exhaustion in aid of the Hearts and Balls charity which makes sure former rugby players who suffer catastrophic injuries are supported with the likes of counselling, equipment, legal and travel costs, and respite care.
Dylan said he had always wanted to raise funds for the cause – which is affiliated with the rugby sevens club he plays for – and was keen to stay active when the amateur sport took a backseat during Covid.
But he wanted to try and do something no one had done before, pushing himself through varying terrain and weather conditions to boost his fundraising.
The 28-year-old optician said: “Post-Covid has been tough for everyone and for a long time there was no rugby in sight and I needed something to train for, for my own mental wellbeing I think. I think the reason I chose running was because it was something that would keep me active but I could do it by myself or with other people and I didn’t need any facilities for it.
“I wanted to do something no one had done before. I’d never seen anyone do anything like this over such a wide geographical area.
“I’m an optician in my day job as well so I suppose going around the health boards was a bit about the mental and physical health issues Hearts and Balls help out with.”
Dylan said he went up until April without injury, but has been carrying a “niggle” the past couple of months.
He admitted the mental challenge is what he has found hardest.
“It’s been touch and go so far. I got a little niggle which turned into tendonitis in my ankle. It’s been a bit painful at times but I’m fighting through it and will rest it plenty after, “ Dylan added.
“The big thing has been the mental battle. I’m not anxious person normally but those first two days I was almost nauseous with the thought of what I had to do.”
Dylan has so far raised around £5000 and is still hoping to build on his total.
To donate visit: www.gofundme.com/f/tyzhs-365-challenge
