This all started out as a personal challenge that helped to send a regular monthly donation the way of Children with Cancer UK.

The task was to attempt to complete a marathon within the first week of a month, starting in September 2020 and finishing up in August 2022. RatRace who were responsible for curating this virtual challenge which had a Viking theme (Born to Rune). Where each month saw you completing in turn a letter/rune of the viking alphabet (handily having 24 characters). Their rules allowed the accumulation of the mileage across the week, but I sought to complete each as one (literal) marathon effort. The GPS evidence of completion was then uploaded for verification.

Whilst completing the challenge life, motivations and circumstances changed. These will be detailed in the posts and updates I'll share. One significant development is that I became a Co-Event Director of Stirling Junior parkrun. As an event we're being encouraged to have our own Automated External Defibrillator (AED), rather than having to rely on a device nearby (as we currently do). I'm hoping to help contribute to this fund and to help to secure a device. This is done via official parkrun channels. It's a device we'd certainly rather have, maintain and hopefully need never use. Though knowing we have it to hand, should we ever need to.

As things stand, the original 24 in 24 challenge has been completed. The updates below will detail the highs and lows of life of each marathon as they unfolded.

The 3 -> 4th of September 2022 will see me taking on Glenmore24. Where I'll find out how I can cope with the course and conditions. Discovering also just how far I can go in distance and into the pain cave. The race is a 24hr challenge to see how many 4 mile laps you can complete whilst not succumbing to midges.

Then, all being well… the 26th and final marathon will be an actual 'proper' one completed in Cologne on the 2nd October.

If you fancy following along: Strava - Gallus ness & Twitter - @Gallusness