Grandtully mum to run her own marathon after missing out on New York

Nov 13 2009 by Katy Gordon, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

GRANDTULLY local and Highland Perthshire mum Donna Murray-Trail’s dream was to take part in this year’s New York Marathon to raise funds for Marie Curie.

But Donna, who had started raising sponsorship cash months ago, sadly found that it wasn’t possible for her to travel all the way to the Big Apple due to work commitments.

Undaunted by the logistical setback – and showing true determination and spirit – she decided to run her own marathon in Highland Perthshire.

The route followed the core path network along the River Tay from Grandtully to Aberfeldy, then Aberfeldy to Kenmore and back again.

The full distance was around two miles longer than the standard 26 miles in a marathon.

On Sunday, November 1, at 7.55am, Donna started her marathon with several friends along the route taking turns to ‘pace’ her (Alison, Claire, Julie, Ken, Kirsty and Donna’s brother Mark, mother Eleanor and daughter Skye).

While the weather wasn’t kind and the path was boggy and flooded in parts, Donna finished the distance in five hours, which was a great achievement.

Her efforts raised over £500 for Marie Curie.

Skye Murray-Trail, Donna’s six year old daughter who ran the last mile of the marathon with Donna, said: “Mama has made me and dada very proud.

“The weather was very bad and the puddles were massive, especially the last one. She did great!”

And Donna’s husband ‘Muzza’ added: “Donna is one of a kind and all our family is very proud of her achievement.

“It was great to see so much support for her along the route and also to have Skye, her brother, mum and dad there at the celebratory refreshments at the Aberfeldy Town Hall after the run.”