RUNNER and part-time fire fighter Chris Currie of Kelso is challenging anyone to beat his winning time from 2013 of 5 hours and 40 minutes in this year’s Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS) adventure, Beat the Borders, which starts in Melrose on Saturday, August 30.
Last year Chris, a stone finisher at Border Concrete Products, joined nearly 300 entrants at the first ever Beat the Borders, the multi-activity outdoor challenge which raises money for CHAS to care for children with life shortening conditions and their families.
Beat the Borders involves a 40 mile bike ride followed by an eight, or 18 mile hike through some of the most stunning Borders countryside.
Jon Heggie, director of fundraising and communications at CHAS, said: “The very first Beat the Borders was so successful last year that we have decided to make it an annual event.
“Last year, it attracted 286 entrants from right across Scotland and raised £120,000 for CHAS. We are hoping to increase this figure to £150,000.”
He added: “The local community have given a huge amount of support to CHAS and Beat the Borders, and have really embraced the event. “We welcome entrants from teams or individuals and it’s not all about being the fastest participant –it’s about having fun and enjoying the experience.”
The cycle route goes from Melrose to The Woll at Ashkirk, with the hike going from there to Selkirk and on to Melrose for those tackling the full ‘gold’ challenge.
For more information, or to register for the event, go to www.beattheborders.co.uk