Two fitness fans from the Forth Valley College Fix-it Department ran the Bank of Scotland Glasgow Half-Marathon to raise money for two great charities.
Stevie Mabbott and Alex Blair ran the 13 miles on Sunday 2 October for the Forth Valley Sensory Centre and Cancer Research UK respectively raising in turn, £1100 and £500 for the good causes.
The pair had been training together for about a year – helped by former HND Health and Fitness student David Fields - in preparation for the big event and started and finished together, with Stevie clocking a time of 2hours 11mins and 54 seconds and Alex one second more on 2hours 11 minutes and 55 seconds. This meant they beat their aim of 2hours and 30 minutes. As well as pounding the streets together the duo can also regularly be seen working out in the Falkirk Campus gym.
Stevie, from Stenhousemuir, started exercising after he started putting on weight when he gave up smoking. He, said:
“It was a fantastic experience and I’ve already signed up for next year. Thanks also to everyone who supported us and donated to our chosen charities.”
Alex, from Bonnybridge, who was inspired to keep fit by Stevie, said:
“The Glasgow crowds were great and I really enjoyed the experience. It was also good to finish the race together – I signed up to keep Stevie company and we’ve trained together for a year. So, all in all everything was good. I’d also like to thank the College’s beauty therapy students who gave me a foot massage to prepare me for the race.”
Wai Mun Lee, FVC’s Leisure Facilities Coordinator, said:
“It’s great to see two members of staff who have worked so hard to get fit, put something back by raising money for two great causes. Their dedication has seen them come into the gym at Falkirk and use the facilities regularly and we give them as much encouragement as we can. We are very proud of them and what they are doing for charity.”