St Andrews runner competing in ‘virtual’ marathon to protect Scottish wilderness

Having signed up to take part in the Edinburgh Marathon prior to its cancellation due to Covid-19, Paul Gibbins will still complete the full 26.2 mile distance by running his own ‘virtual’ marathon on Sunday, with an adapted route around the Ardlamont peninsula,in Argyll.

In the process he will be raising funds for the John Muir Trust to help protect, conserve and repair wild places.

Paul has chosen to run for the charity because, as well as running, he also enjoys hillwalking and wants to help maintain the wilderness for future generations to experience.

Paul said: “I ran the 1997 London Marathon to raise funds for the John Muir Trust and wanted to run once more for the same charity as it is one I feel very attached to. I have previously worked as a residential outdoor educator, giving children with learning disabilities and challenging behaviours the chance to experience the wonder of the outdoor environment.”

He continued: “I have also presented children for the John Muir Trust Award, where they take an active involvement in caring for a small part of the natural environment.”

“I had initially intended running my virtual Edinburgh marathon in St Andrews but when the Kyles 10 miles event around the Ardlamont peninsula was cancelled due to Covid-19, I decided to try and marry the two runs into one.

“I run the Kyles event every year and it is a stunning location. It is a very challenging route with numerous climbs compared to the Edinburgh marathon but worth the effort for the views of Kintyre, Arran and Bute.”

The John Muir Trust owns and looks after wild areas across the UK including Ben Nevis, Schiehallion, Sandwood Bay, part of the Cuillin on Skye, Quinag in Assynt and 3000 acres on the remote Knoydart peninsula.

Adam Pinder, head of fundraising at the John Muir Trust, said: “We are delighted that Paul is taking part in this year’s virtual Edinburgh Marathon and that he has chosen to support the John Muir Trust.

“We would like to wish him the very best of luck with his run – even if it won’t be quite as originally planned.”

If you would like to support Paul, you can do so at www.justgiving.com/paul-gibbins4.

Sign up to become a member of the John Muir Trust or find out more about their work at www.johnmuirtrust.org.