Greater Glasgow

THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR . . . RUNNING AND CYCLING?!

Four bus drivers from Glasgow's biggest bus operator, First in Glasgow has revealed how they plan to take on a Mini Monster next month, by wearing specially-designed shoes made from the seats of the buses they drive!

The drivers, John Ramage (46) from Drumchapel, Derek Houston (32) from Hillington and Walter Duncan (53) from Lennoxtown, who work at Scotstoun depot, and Andy McNeilly (37) from Seafar who works at Cumbernauld depot, are getting into training for First's Mini Monster Challenge at Pollok Park on Sunday 14 June courtesy of basketball-style trainers made from old bus tyres and fabric from First's bus seats.

The shoes, believed to be among the most environmentally-friendly on the market currently, have been available to purchase on line at www.firstgroupshop.com since New Year and were put through their paces by John, Derek, Walter and Andy at Firsts Scotstoun depot.

All four drivers participated in last year's Mini Monster event and had a great time but were looking for an added edge for this year's event, the 'bus seat' shoes seemed to be the perfect fit!

"Our buses are such a big part of our jobs that we thought it would be great fun to have bits of them with us while we took part in Mini Monster', said John, "and we liked the idea that instead of sitting on our bus seats, we will be running and cycling in them through Pollok Park taking them to places that other bus seats dont reach!'

"Mini Monster is such a terrific event', added Andy, "and raises a significant amount of money for charity, particularly First's charity partner Save the Children. If we can help out those less fortunate by wearing old bus seats on our feet, then thats got to be good. I'm not sure these particular boots were made for running and cycling though, but so far we have not incurred any blisters!'

Douglas Hamilton, Save the Children's Head of Scotland added: "We have a wonderful relationship with First and its highly successful Monster events. Indeed Monster competitors raised £100,000 for Save the Children in 2008. Both the First Mini Monsters and the original First Monster Challenge in Inverness seem to be going from strength to strength, we are very optimistic that last year's total will be bettered.

"All the money raised for Save the Children from the Glasgow event will be spent on our work across the UK with some of the most vulnerable children to ensure they get the best start in life. I hope everyone enjoys the First Mini Monster and helps raise vital funds for Save the Children.'

The First Mini Monster Challenge is organised by transport giant, FirstGroup, and is aimed at everyone, regardless of age and fitness. The event comprises two relay races, one for families and one for adults. The family race sees teams of four complete two running sections, each 1.5km long, and two 5km cycling sections. In the adult event, teams of four also take on two runs and two cycles, 3km and 10km respectively. In both races, each team member completes one leg only.

Last year's inaugural Glasgow Mini Monster was a great success, so much so, that a second Scottish event was added to the calendar in Aberdeen for 2009. Aberdeen and Glasgow are two of five cities throughout the UK to host a First Mini Monster Challenge.

Entry to the First Mini Monster Challenge is only £5 per person (or £20 per team) and a quarter of the entry fee will be donated to Save the Children. For further information or to register a team for any of the Mini Monster events, log on to www.firstmonster.com.

2009 First Monster Events
Friends and family race: 10am
Adult race: 11.30am
Aberdeen Mini Monster, 7 June, 10am, 11.30am Hazlehead Park
Glasgow Mini Monster, 14 June, 10am, 11.30am, Pollok Country Park
Manchester Mini Monster, 28 June, 10am, 11.30am, Philips Park
Yorkshire Mini Monster, 5 July, 10am, 11.30am, Roundhay Park, Leeds
Bristol Mini Monster, 12 July, 10am, 11.30am, The Downs
First Monster Challenge, 12 September, (Adult race only) 7am, Loch Ness, Inverness