Student’s marathon bid

Apr 12 2011 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

PERTH student Euan McLeod is counting on beginner’s luck as he braces himself for his first ever marathon, writes Gordon Bannerman.

The former Perth Academy pupil, right, three years into a law degree at Aberdeen University, is limbering-up for the London Marathon on Sunday.

He will join thousands on the streets of the capital for the Virgin-backed event, which last year raised more than £50 million for charities.

But few of the runners will have clocked-up such modest mileage as Euan in preparing for the big race.

Euan (20), who works part-time in a Granite City pub, got a late call-up and has had to handle a compressed preparation period in the countdown to the big event.

He explained: “I got a late offer of a run from Get Kids Going, which is a charity aimed at encouraging disabled children to enjoy sport.

“I didn’t want to let them down.

“I have always fancied tackling a marathon but it’s a case of going in at the deep end. I have never even completed a half-marathon.

“But I play football for the uni law team and keep myself fit. And I have already managed a 16-mile training run.

“I felt in good shape and they say you shouldn’t actually go the full distance in training, so I won’t overdo it.

“But I want to test myself and I’ll be pushing hard to make sure I finish, and hopefully in a reasonable time.

Mum Audrey and dad Neil, a local GP, have been very supportive, holding coffee mornings at their Glasgow Road home.

And Euan said: “I’m also grateful to the staff and members at Craigie Hill Golf Club for holding a raffle and to everyone else who has contributed to the cause.

“So far I have raised more than £1000 for the charity and I’m hoping more sponsorship comes in before marathon day.

“But I won’t be running dressing-up as a giant chicken or wearing any other sort of fancy dress. I’ll just be concentrating on getting round the course!”

Anyone wishing to support Euan and his chosen charity can do so at http://www.justgiving.com/Euan-McLeod