Marathon man Stuart stepping out for charity

Mar 23 2012 by Jennifer Buchanan, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

HE’S donning his running shoes for a good cause.

But this is no charity fun run – Stuart Traquair is set to compete in the London Marathon.

And the 29-year-old is doing it all for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Stuart only started running a few years ago when he was considering joining the RAF.

But despite never actually signing up for the force, he was bitten by the running bug and now runs regularly for the sheer enjoyment of it.

He said: “I just stick on my trainers, head out the door and that’s really it, that’s all you need.

“I much prefer running outside than being in the gym, which unfortunately I’m having to do just now as part of my training.

“I run, go to the gym, work out with kettlebells and rock climb, but I’ve never ran in an organised event before.

“I’ve ran half marathon distances but this will be the furthest I’ve ever gone.

“I originally had a target time in mind but the more I train the more I’m now thinking I’ll just aim to finish it.”

It’s always been a goal of Stuart’s to join in the famous London Marathon.

But with the race being oversubscribed every year he didn’t know when this would come to fruition.

And then fate dealt him a helping hand.

Stuart works in HMV in Ayr and every year the company is allocated 11 spots in the race.

Any staff members who are interested then apply and their names are drawn out of a hat.

And out of hundreds of entries, dad-of-one Stuart was picked.

He added: “I’m the only one in the HMV team from Scotland and I’m really looking forward to it.

“The London Marathon is supposed to be one of the best races in the world to compete in. The crowd are really behind you, people say they’re like the runner’s third leg.”

And the fact that the music chain’s chosen charity is the Teenage Cancer Trust is an added incentive to Troon man Stuart.

He explained: “I know someone who died of cancer and a guy I work with also had it.

“Luckily he survived and he has been telling me first hand how important these charities are.

“It just makes me more determined.”

If anyone would like to sponsor Stuart by donating to the Teenage Cancer Trust, they can do so via the JustGiving website.

The music fan is also holding gig nights at Fury’s in Ayr to raise even more cash.

Kobi Onyame will play on Saturday, April 14, and another gig will be held on Sunday, April 29.

For tickets or more information pop into Harleys pub at Nile Court.