As this weekend grows closer, local man Ryan Maclean is gearing up for the second Celtman Extreme Triathlon in Wester Ross, which takes place on Saturday 6th July.
Ryan managed to complete the extreme challenge last year, when it first took place. The triathlon consists of a 3.8km open water swim in Loch Shieldaig, followed by a 202km bike ride, and finally a 42km run over two Munros.
This year’s challenge will be filmed by the BBC, and is being sponsored by companies including Oakley, LandRover UK, MacRae & Dick and Red Bull.
Ryan, who is 29 years old, was born and brought up in Kinlochewe, where he began walking the hills as a young boy with his father. Ryan now works as an outdoor instructor in Torridon, and is a member of the mountain rescue team and a retained firefighter in the local area.
Ryan explains, “Last year I completed the extreme challenge in 17 and a half hours, but my training this year has been harder, as I have had a few hiccups along the way. But I am totally focussed on completing the challenge and raising as much money as I can for Highland Hospice. I think it is really important to support a local charity, and so many people are touched by the care the Hospice provides.
He added, “It was tough last year, but I fully expected it to be. The adrenaline you get from taking part is unbelievable though, and I received lots of support being the ‘local boy’ competing on my home territory against the other participants who had travelled from all over the world to take part.”
With his training now over, Ryan is waiting patiently for Saturday to arrive. He says, “I’ll not sleep much before then – probably not at all the night before the challenge as I am so geared up for it.”
Amanda Burt, Highland Hospice fundraiser, said:
“We all wish Ryan all the very best for this weekend. This extreme challenge is incredible, and it is fantastic that a local man is taking on people from all over the world and raising funds for Highland Hospice whilst doing so. Go Ryan!”
If you would like to sponsor Ryan on his challenge please visit his JustGiving page - www.justgiving.com/Ryan-Maclean1
