This year’s Challenge will be on 26th April, and will again be at The Haining in Selkirk. The event celebrates the life of the late Charmian Ledsham, a keen runner and a director of Interest Link Borders for over 20 years. Charmian was passionate about Interest Link’s work breaking down barriers between people with learning disabilities and the community through volunteer befriending.
The format will be similar to 2024, with registration starting at 8.45, a 5k trail run starting at 9.30 and an accessible 2k/4k walking course around Haining Loch starting at 10.30. Runners & Walkers can sign up on EntryCentral. You can also make a donation here
Last year almost 200 people took part, with everyone enjoying the fresh air on the first sunny weekend of spring. The first runner home was Jay Earsman in a time of 27 minutes.
Charmian’s husband Roy Ledsham said: “Her whole life really was working towards helping people with learning disabilities and making sure they fulfilled themselves as much as they could.” Daughter Arran added “My mum was very much a giver so she was someone who loved to connect with people at all levels. She loved to have a chat to anyone, she really listened. I think that idea of having a meaningful connection between people was what she was all about, so that’s what today is all about as well which is fantastic.”
£3,020 was raised through entry fees, generous donations and a tombola. A big thanks goes to all the volunteers who made it such a successful event, especially those marshalling, Allan Mitchell, paramedic from the Scottish Ambulance Service, local businesses such as Tempest brewery and Sweet Success who donated tombola prizes, and of course the Haining for allowing us to use their stunning grounds.