Group Partnerships
A Real Monster at Loch Ness - Courtesy of First
The Loch Ness Monster did not make an appearance in person, but organisers of the First Monster Duathlon, our 120k team duathlon around the shores of Loch Ness on Sunday 2 September, hailed the event a tremendous success.
Model Nell McAndrew led her team to glory in the battle of the celebrities. Leading the First TransPennine Express team, Nell and her team of super fit competitors saw off strong challenges from the First ScotRail team led by Liz McColgan and the First Great Western team captained by Kyran Bracken.
Finishing third overall, Nell was delighted with the result and the finishing time of 6 hours and 51 minutes. "It really is a fantastic course," she said. "I thoroughly enjoyed the event. The atmosphere was great, the camaraderie amongst all the teams was excellent, the organisation first class and the scenery spectacular. I was delighted to be the first personality across the line – hopefully I can repeat the success next year!"
The shores of Loch Ness played host to the 120k course which attracted around 100 teams. In teams of four each competitor ran roughly 10km and cycled 20km. Outright winners were local team, Bikes and Fitness Inverness, who completed the course in a very impressive 5 hours and 45 minutes.
We attracted some of the UK’s fittest celebrities to take part in the challenge and raise money for Save the Children. Taking their place in the field, joining Nell McAndrew, were former Labour Government director of communications and strategy, Alastair Campbell, and celebrity chef and star of Cook Yourself Thin, Sophie Michell. Adding an extra competitive dimension to the event were three former athletes. Former Olympic long distance running medallists Liz McColgan and Sonia O’ Sullivan were joined by ex British Lion and Dancing on Ice Winner, Kyran Bracken.
"It was a fantastic day,” said our chief executive Moir Lockhead. "My congratulations go to each and every competitor. It was a very tough challenge, but everyone rose to the occasion and dug deep – it’s been a tremendous effort from everyone both from a physical and money raising perspective. Although we have yet to calculate a grand total, many thousands of pounds have been raised for Save the Children.
"All the competitors seemed to thoroughly enjoy the event and it is particularly satisfying to see so many First teams take part. We had teams from First Great Western, First Capital Connect, First TransPennine Express and First ScotRail. First UK Bus too was well represented with teams from throughout the UK. FirstGroup America even flew two teams from the States. Although I would never dream of participating nowadays, I did take a shift driving a bus to transport competitors to their handover points."
He continued: "Although this is the first time we have delved into sporting events, today’s success is something that as a company we are very keen to build upon. Not only will the First Monster Challenge become an annual event, but we also hope to announce plans in the New Year to host “Mini Monster” duathlons around the UK. The Mini Monsters will be aimed at the general public, and not necessarily experienced runners and cyclists. Rather than a mammoth 10k run and 20k cycle, Mini Monster participants will run 5km and cycle 10km."
To access the results in full which includes details of the celebrities’ times, log on to www.firstmonster.co.uk (page opens in a new window)