The Challenge
- To complete a tour of all the public libraries in Aberdeen (in alphabetical order).
- To run the entire distance. No walking. Not a single step.
- To complete the tour between sunrise and sunset on the 2017 Summer Solstice.
The Story
(For a detailed account of this challenge, read the article: Solstice).
This run genuinely could not have gone better. Starting shortly after sunrise at 04:17, the 70-mile epic took me on a weaving journey back and forth across the City. Soon after completing the first marathon, my body started complaining – so much so that I had completely given up on the idea of finishing the run on the same day. But I somehow managed to keep going and completed the tour at 22:04, with sunset taking place four minutes later.
The Details
Part 1
Part 1 of the run took me from the starting point at the beach to Central Library, then on to Airyhall, Bridge of Don, Bucksburn, Cornhill, Cove, Culter, Cults and Dyce.
| Distance | 44.5 miles |
|---|---|
| Total time | 9 hours 54 minutes |
| Moving time | 7 hours 12 minutes |
| Time stationary | 2 hours 42 minutes |
| Average pace | 9 minutes 44 seconds per mile |
| Fastest mile | 8 minutes 14 seconds (mile 5) |
Elevation profile of Part 1
Part 2
After a very long stop at Dyce, I continued on my way towards Ferryhill, Kaimhill, Kincorth, Mastrick, Northfield, Tillydrone, Torry, Woodside and Central Library.
| Distance | 25.5 miles |
|---|---|
| Total time | 6 hours 17 minutes |
| Moving time | 4 hours 11 minutes |
| Time stationary | 2 hours 6 minutes |
| Average pace | 9 minutes 53 seconds per mile |
| Fastest mile | 9 minutes 07 seconds (mile 46) |
Elevation profile of Part 2
The Cause
Throughout 2017, I ran various running challenges to try and help me reach my goal. While I didn’t succeed, I was pleased to raise over £1,000 for The Archie Foundation thanks to the generosity of some truly wonderful people.
The Archie Foundation makes a huge difference to the lives of sick children here in the North of Scotland.
To you all: a sincere thank you.
Watch the video below to find out more about The Archie Foundation and their work:
Literary companion
Aberdeen A-Z