WITH JUST weeks to go before RSABI’s Great Glen Challenge, 24 hardy teams from a wide range of roles in Scottish agriculture are now training hard for the multi-sport event between Fort Augustus and Fort William on August 25.
The teams are also fundraising in a bid to help RSABI, the charity which supports people in Scottish agriculture, reach the ambitious target of £50,000 by taking part in the event, sponsored by expert legal advisors to the rural sector, Gillespie Macandrew.
A fantastic total of around £18,000 has already been raised by those taking part, and RSABI is encouraging supporters to dig deep and get behind those taking part in the challenge to help the charity provide emotional, practical and financial support to people in Scottish agriculture.
The Great Glen Challenge 2023 will see competing teams of four plus a support driver take on a day jam-packed with activity in one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland. The route consists of a 49km mountain bike, 6km kayak, 18km walk, and 17km run and is designed to challenge teams, promoting commitment and teamwork from the onset of training up to the day of the event.
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After competing in last year’s Great Glen Challenge, overall event sponsors Gillespie Macandrew have this year signed up two teams – GMac Movers and GMac Shakers. NFU Scotland have managed to rustle up a brilliant total of three teams and SP Energy Networks have got two teams entered.
Others taking part include Bell Ingram, Bidwells LLP, the Crofting Commission, Davidson & Robertson, James Hutton Institute, Johnston Carmichael, Royal Bank of Scotland, SAC Consulting, Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (north region), Scottish Woodlands, Tarff Valley, Thomson Cooper Accountants, Thorntons, and Virgin Money. Last year’s winners, Team Shannoch, will also be back to try to retain their position at the top of the Great Glen leaderboard.
The Scottish Farmer is again kindly media partner for the event, and to support racegoers, People’s Ford are kindly providing a Ford Ranger to join the fleet of support vehicles, while letting agents Rettie & Co have signed up as this year’s route sponsors and map creators.
As well as offering an event with a unique team-building spirit, the Great Glen Challenge also highlights the importance of keeping fit to maintaining good physical and mental health.
Carol McLaren, RSABI Chief Executive, said: “There is something very special about the Great Glen Challenge and we are delighted with the way that so many people from different parts of Scottish agriculture are this year getting behind it.
“Everyone is busy and for so many people to make time to support our flagship fundraising event of the year means a great deal. Our thanks also go to everyone who kindly sponsors the teams and a special thanks to Gillespie Macandrew, our overall event sponsor this year.
“Our thanks also go to the volunteers who help us run the event, our media partners, The Scottish Farmer, and all those who have already generously donated to the competing teams. Donations have been coming in thick and fast, setting us in good stead to reach our ambitious £50,000 target.”
Team donations for the Great Glen challenge are now open. To donate and find out more about how to support the teams, visit www.rsabi.org.uk/event/rsabi-great-glen-challenge-2023/.
