Munro Relay: 282 mountains in 26 days proves no challenge for all-women team
A team of women has become the first to complete the "Munro Relay", after scaling 282 Scottish mountains in 26 days.
The 10 women, all aged between 40 and 60, started their journey on Beinn Sgritheall, in the Highlands, on June 4. They then walked, cycled and kayaked to all the other mountains, before scaling them.
The group travelled more than 1,750 miles and climbed 482,300ft – more than 16 times the height of Mount Everest.
They faced extreme weather conditions, from one of the hottest days of the year in June to wind chill temperatures of 39.2F (-4C), with bad weather delaying the trip by three days.
"Munros" are mountains in Scotland that are at least 3,000ft high. It is believed to be the first time the feat has been completed by an all-female team.
Records show two other munro relays, both completed by men in 1990 and 1993, with the fastest time at 11 days and 20 hours.
The female team took on the challenge to raise awareness and funds for the charity Free to Run, which aims to empower women and girls through sport.
Fran Loots, 63, from Perth and Kinross, said: "It has been the most amazing journey with support from many incredible women.
"It has been tough at times with the weather conspiring to throw its worst at us and fatigue for heads and legs creeping in.
"The running has actually been the easy part, while the behind the scenes logistics has been the most challenging.
"Without our supporters, logistics brains and the team of leaders sharing the load, we would not have been so successful.
"The relay has been a fantastic celebration of women being active as we age."
Sarah Dunn, 54, from Deeside, added: "It's an amazing achievement given the distances, complexities and the weather we have faced this month."
