DISCOUNT REGISTRATION FOR one of the toughest challenges facing both serious and fun athletes in Moray is due to end this month.
The annual Cairngorm to Coast challenge will be taking place this year on May 20 when participants will once again take on a 100km hike and bicycle duathlon from Cairngorm National Park to the gates of RAF Lossiemouth.
Organised by Team RAFBF Lossiemouth, the challenge takes participants through some of the most beautiful terrain in the country – but while it might inspire poetry it remains a gruelling challenge requiring careful preparation and training.
Such are the vagaries of the Cairngorm region even in May those taking part could find themselves starting out in snow and experiencing wide variations in temperature along the way.
Team RAFBF chair Karen Cox is under no illusions over the importance of the event in terms of raising funding for the cause: “Last year we raised just over £8000 but would like to reach £10,000 this year.
“The help the Fund gives the RAF family is second to none, from World War II veterans and serving personnel to wives like myself.
“We are really excited about this year’s event and very grateful to our sponsors, Windswept Brewing Co, Thales UK, Arnold Clark Car and Van hire and Dallas Designs. From the feedback we received it looks like it’s going to be another fantastic year, with many of last year’s entrants coming back to beat their times
“We have also been contacted by the SkyWatch team in Inverness who are going to be overflying the hike element of the challenge, so we are very lucky to have their eyes in the sky.”
‘Early Bird’ entries for the challenge must be in by February 28 with more details available on the Cairngorm to Coast Facebook Page or via the contact number on 07775 737647.