Ultramarathon record-chaser set for Orkney leg of Scotland-wide challenge

A man who is aiming to set a ultramarathon record for charity is set to arrive in Orkney tomorrow (Friday) on the third day of his challenge.

Chris Thomson is aiming to become the first person to run 32 ultramarathons in 32 days in all 32 council areas in Scotland, in memory of a close friend.

Chris Thomson, from Dumfries and Galloway, will run 33 miles per day — the age of his close friend — which will mean running a total of 1,056 miles until July 6, when his challenge is due to end in Edinburgh.

Chris has already completed ultramarathons in his home county and the Western Isles before he arrives in Orkney, where he is due to run throughout Kirkwall and the East Mainland.

He is set to start his ultramarathon at around 12.30pm.

Chris is hoping to raise awareness of the importance of mental and physical health, and is aiming to raise over £100,000 for charities such as Movember, Mind, Dementia UK, British Heart Foundation, MNDA, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and Maggie’s Cancer Care.

For anyone wishing to join Chris in running or cycling, or helping out in any other way, they can. More information including his prospective route can be found on his website, which includes links to his social media: tourdethomo.com