Aberdeen

PAUL LAWRIE BACKS ABERDEEN FIRST MINI MONSTER CHALLENGE

Former Open Golf Champion, Paul Lawrie was at Hazlehead Golf Course today to help promote the First Mini Monster Challenge, a new family friendly running and cycling event in Aberdeen.

Four members of the Paul Lawrie Junior Golf Foundation will be downing their clubs for a day and instead running and cycling around Hazlehead Park in the First Mini Monster Challenge on June 7.

Speaking ahead of his participation in the forthcoming Open de Espana, Paul said he was delighted that Aberdeen is to host a family friendly sporting event. "Although my main focus is golf, I do participate in other sports, including running and cycling, to help keep fit. Being in decent physical shape is an important part of being a golfer and its something that we stress to our youngsters at the Paul Lawrie Junior Golf Foundation. We do encourage them to participate in all manner of sports and I am pleased that we will be represented in the Aberdeen First Mini Monster.'

He added: "The event sounds like a good fun way of raising money for charity and getting some exercise. I hope that the north east comes out in force to help make it a success.'

The Aberdeen First Mini Monster Challenge is hosted and organised by Aberdeen based transport giant, FirstGroup. Managing Director of First in Aberdeen, George Mair, commented: "Its great to see Paul Lawrie and his budding golf stars support our event " they are sure to have a great day out.'

He continued: "Almost anyone can take part in the event- the Hazlehead course is quite gentle and the distances, particularly in the family event, are relatively short. My team and I are already in training and are looking forward to race day on June 7.'

The First Mini Monster Challenge comprises two relay races, one for families and one for adults. The family race will see teams of four complete two running sections, each 1.5km long, and two 5km cycling sections. In the adult event teams of four will also take on two runs and two cycles " the run will be 3km and the cycle 10km. In both races, each team member will complete one leg only.

Entry to the Aberdeen First Mini Monster Challenge is only £5 per person (or £20 per team). FirstGroup will donate 25 percent of the entry fee to Save the Children. To register a team or for more information log on to www.firstmonster.com . The event takes place on June 7th at Hazlehead Park.

The First Mini Monster Challenges are inspired and based upon the First Monster Challenge, FirstGroups annual 120km team relay duathlon around the shores of Loch Ness.

The winning team of either the family or the adult Mini Monster event will be offered free entry to the First Monster Challenge in Inverness on September 12. For more information or to register a team for the First Monster Challenge visit, www.firstmonster.com