A Johnstone postie and his firefighter pal are set to race over gruelling bogs, hills, and tracks as they tackle a 34 mile ultra-marathon for charity.
Friends Brian Oates, 38 and Ross Brackenridge, 31, are training hard as they prepare to take on the Drovers Ultra in August to raise cash for the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.
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Postman Brian says they are ready for the challenge but aren’t underestimating how tough the ultra-endurance run will be.
He told the Paisley Express: “Ross messaged me at the start of the year and asked if I fancied doing it and said why not? I’ve never done an ultra marathon before but I really like a challenge.
“Ross’ kid was in hospital when he was little so we thought why not raise for the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity as we have a personal connection to it.”
The training has been going well but as the August 28 date gets nearer the butterflies start to grow.
“I feel like my training has been really good so far, I did the 4x4x48 Challenge at the start of my training, which is basically running 4 miles every four hours for 48 hours.
“I feel like that really set me up nicely. I have been running up Ben Lomond and put in a few 20 mile runs as well.
“I’m a postman as well so I cover plenty of miles out walking every day.”
Ross, who is a firefighter in Port Glasgow, has also been putting in the hours.
Brian said: “Ross is ex-army and is a firefighter now so he is fit and has done lots of training.
“We have even been doing a bit of cold water immersion - running to a place where you can take a plunge at the end in cold water. I have found it has worked wonders for inflammation.
“It’s obviously a huge challenge but we are but really up for it and can’t wait to get it done.
“All the money raised will go towards the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.”
The Drover Ultramarathon covers around 34 miles of rough terrain starting and finishing at the Glenturret Distillery in Crieff.
To donate to Brian and Ross’ effort visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/brian-oates1
