A group of school pupils will attempt to break the record for raising money for charity in one of Scotland's top sponsored runs in honour of a classmate who suffered spinal injuries after a rugby accident.
A group of school pupils will attempt to break the record for raising money for charity in one of Scotland's top sponsored runs in honour of a classmate who suffered spinal injuries after a rugby accident.
Frank Hadden, Scotland rugby coach, joined pupils at Merchiston Castle School yesterday to launch the annual Bupa Edinburgh Great Run, which takes place on Sunday May 3.
More than 160 students aged between 15 and 19 have signed up for the 10k run to try to raise £10,000 for the charity Hearts and Balls, which supports those connected with rugby in times of need.
If successful, it will be the biggest amount raised by a single group of runners in the history of the event.
The boys made the decision to enter the race in support of the rugby charity after one of their fellow pupils sustained a serious injury during a rugby match.
Patrick Costello, 17, the Merchiston pupil who co-ordinated the entries, said: "I've run the 10k twice before and really enjoyed it. This year, I thought it would be good idea to use it to raise money for Hearts and Balls.
"The school has been extremely supportive and the response from the pupils overwhelming. I originally aimed to recruit 15 other boys, so was awestruck when so many signed up."
Mr Hadden added: "The effort the boys of Merchiston have put in, not only to form their team but to raise awareness of the charity, is to be admired and it's satisfying to see the race organisers recognise their contribution by holding the official launch here.
"Taking part in the race is a great way of fostering camaraderie, not to mention an enjoyable way of keep fit and healthy, and I wish all those who sign up every success."
Jim Littlefair, chairman of Hearts and Balls, added: "A number of worthy charities will benefit from those participating in the Bupa Great Edinburgh Run, but it's great to see the boys give their all for Hearts and Balls."
The course will also host a wealth of world-class athletes including the defending Bupa Great Edinburgh Run men's champion Bernard Kipyego of Kenya.
Kipyego competed in Saturday's Bupa Great Edinburgh International Cross Country, finishing eighth.
Robin Harper, Scottish Green Party MSP for the Lothians, is planning to take part in the event for Alzheimer Scotland.
He said: "Dementia is a devastating illness and affects countless families across Scotland".
Meanwhile, men across Scotland have been urged to help keep themselves fit both mentally and physically by running in the UK's sole male-only 10k run this year. The Mens Health Forum Scotland 10k for Men 2009 was launched at Bellahouston Park, Glasgow. The run is now in its fourth year, and will take place on June 21.
Mark Ward, national co-ordinator for the Men's Health Forum Scotland, said that the event was something that could appeal to men of any fitness level as he encouraged walkers, joggers and runners to sign up.
Over 3000 men participated last year and organisers hope to top that by attracting 5000 this time round.
Mr Ward said he hoped that returning runners would encourage friends and family to enter.
"We want to get as many men involved as possible," he said.
Brian Hughes, a 25-year-old student from Bellahouston, who will be running for the second time, has seen first-hand how exercise can be life-changing. In the past two years he has lost more than eight stone in weight.
He said he not only looks better, but also feels better. When he was at his heaviest, he said, he wouldn't have dreamed of taking part. But he started training with the support of his friends and family. He said yesterday: "Exercise has helped boost my confidence. Running keeps you fit and gives you freedom."
