Ayrshire family in Monster Challenge

Tuesday 22 September 2009

A Kilmarnock man pushed himself to the limit – and beyond – during the First Iron Monster Challenge on the shores of Loch Ness.

David Ridout, a ScotRail station team manager based at Ayr Station, was eventually forced to retire - after completing two-thirds of the 120km course and suffering two calf strains and a groin strain.

But he had two consolations.

First, he watched his sons complete the gruelling duathlon - the equivalent of running a marathon and cycling twice as far.

Second, he met Gavin Hastings, the Grand Slam winner and British Lions captain – and model Nell McAndrew.

David, 59, said: “The event was fantastic. It was disappointing to retire before the finishing line, but I gave it my best shot. 

“My boys did brilliantly. We’re planning to come back next year for the team relay event but will leave the Iron Monster to others!”

David had joined 27 other superfit iron athletes - including sons Darren, 29, and Calum, 19 – for the 40km run and 80km cycle.

The family raised £700 for Save the Children, the charity partners of FirstGroup which hosted and organised the Monster Challenge.

Darren finished in 11 hours and 6 minutes and Calum completed the course in 11 hours, 48 minutes.

Darren, in fifteenth place, said of the event earlier this month: “I’m still buzzing from the event. It was the toughest challenge I’ve ever taken on.

“We didn’t appreciate the number of hills on the course and the mountain bike leg was horrendous. But it was worth it to get to the finish line.”

Calum said: “I’m pretty experienced on the bike but had never run more than 10km before and so I surprised myself by completing the entire 40km running leg.

“I had a great time – and meeting Nell McAndrew and Gavin Hastings was my highlight.”

Nell and Gavin had joined 1,100 competitors for the four-strong team relay event and their “Beauty and Beasts’” team finished ninth overall.

Nell, who was competing for the third consecutive year, said: “It was great fun, very well organised and had a tremendous atmosphere.”

Media contacts
Carla Rinaldi, ScotRail Communications: 0141 335 5156 / carla.rinaldi@firstgroup.com
Iain Wilson, ScotRail Communications: 0141 335 4565 / iain.wilson@firstgroup.com