Record-breaker Mark to tackle Rob Roy Way for charity

Jun 22 2012 by Johnathon Menzies, Stirling Observer Friday

RECORD-BREAKING adventurer Mark Beaumont will take part in the Martin Currie Rob Roy Challenge on Saturday.

Perthshire native Mark, who cycled around the world in the quickest-ever time, will be part of a six-strong Team Marvel attempting to tackle the annual fundraiser.

Dressed as comic book characters such as Captain America, Batman, Spider-Man and the Fantastic Four’s Sue Richards, the group will both run and cycle the 55-mile route through the Trossachs.

Mark is expecting to fit right in as the villainous Venom. He said: “I’m really excited about joining the super heroes in a death-defying dash to the finish line in Kenmore.”

Team Marvel is headed up by life-long comics fan Ross Lawrie.

Ross loves Spider-Man so much that he once travelled to New York to meet creator Stan Lee – in costume.

He said: “I can’t believe I’m going to get the chance to run and cycle alongside my real-life sporting hero, Mark Beaumont. Team Marvel will be delighted to have him along on our mission to keep everyone in high spirits.”

Organisers claim the Martin Currie Rob Roy Challenge is one of Scotland’s most successful fundraising events, with more than £2.1 million raised since 2006.

Covering a section of the Rob Roy Way, teams or individuals walk or run 16 miles from Drymen north-east through the Trossachs to Callander, where they switch to bikes for a 39-mile cycle to Kenmore – all in 8-12 hours.

This year Mark is taking part to raise money for Wateraid, the NSPCC and Alzheimer Scotland. He is also an ambassador for event organisers Wildfox Events.

Anyone who wants to support Mark can visit www.tiny.cc/teammarvel.