Ainslie raises £5,000 for Cancer Research UK
8 June 2012Just over five months – and 746 training miles – after announcing his intention to run the Edinburgh marathon to raise funds for Cancer Research UK, in memory of Steve Jones and other colleagues in the timber trade, Sunday May 27 saw Keith Ainslie, sales manager with James Jones & Sons, take up position on the start line with around 12,000 fellow runners.
At the 9:50am start the temperature was already around 18 degrees C, but happily after the first six miles the race route wound out of Edinburgh, past Holyrood Palace, Arthur's Seat and Meadowbank Stadium to the coast at Portobello, and a welcome sea breeze. Nonetheless temperatures soared to 23 degrees C, and says Keith, "The water stations every three miles were a welcome sight."
After 18 miles the route headed inland once more and without the breeze the heat was serious. Keith comments "In two miles I saw at least 10 runners being tended at the side of the road, some on drips, some on oxygen" and though he was still feeling strong, he recognised that the heat was sapping him and his chances of a 3hrs 15 run or even a personal best of 3hrs 25. However, "Crowd support was brilliant," he recalls, "people were out in their gardens launching sprays of water across the course - no hosepipe ban for us!"
By this stage Keith had missed his first time target and his "personal best" target was also fading, but a fortuitous "takeover bid" from a fellow runner on the last stretch spurred him on to a magnificent sprint finish, crossing the line at 3 hours 29 mins and 14 seconds!
Keith has asked particularly that TTJ passes on his thanks to all colleagues and friends whose moral support and generous donations made the last five months so very worthwhile. Donations now exceed £5,000.
You can still support Keith's fundraising efforts and Cancer Research UK at www.justgiving.com/Keith-Ainslie
