News
Fundraisers To Take On ‘Coolest Marathon On Earth’ Next Week
Fri 20th October 2023
In just over one weeks time, two men will take on the “coolest marathon on earth” in a bid to raise thousands of pounds for the Rangers Charity Foundation.
Lifelong friends David Eveleigh and Kevin Neilson will soon be heading inside the Artic Circle to complete the Polar Circle Marathon in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, on 28-29 October 2023.
The 42.2 kilometre snow race will see the duo run through the soundless arctic desert past glacier tongues and moraine landscapes, in a rare opportunity to visit one of the most remote corners of the world, while daring to take part in an extremely challenging running event.
David, 39, a piling operative from Alloa, is determined to raise as much money as possible for the Foundation which donates to its Armed Forces Fund and local charities such as the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.
The father-of-two said: “We’ve both done ultra-races which are 56 miles each but this is a different environment and different terrain. We are going to some part of the word we don’t know so by going together we will be able to get each other through it and lean on each other for support.
“I am a massive Rangers fan and go abroad to watch them. The Foundation does a lot of great work for the Armed Forces and Kevin is ex-military so I am a big advocate of helping veterans charities. The Foundation also gives money to the children’s hospitals in Glasgow and, with us both being parents, it makes you see life differently and realise that there are those who are less fortunate than ourselves and we want to help in any way we can.”
Kevin, 38, from Dalbeattie, is a former professional footballer who played in Australia and with Annan Athletic. He is now an electrical contractor and Army reservist with 6 Scots, The 6th Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
He said: “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. We don’t know anybody who has done this but it is quite challenging given the temperatures and location.
“Looking at the route, it does look really hilly so it’s probably going to be one of our biggest challenges we’ll face – not knowing where to pick up the pace or slow down the pace. We’ve trained as much as we can on hills because you are less likely to burn out if you come across a route with lots of hills.”
