FIVE local runners will be off in search of Nessie next weekend when they take part in the Loch Ness Marathon. Duo Pat Currie and Ashley Hooper took part in the 26-mile Highland run last year and claimed the mysterious green monster came up from the depths of the Loch to see them, but their running pals, Nicky Rees, Matthew Evans and Dai Spencer, did not believe them, so they have persuaded them to join them next Sunday, October 3, to prove them wrong! The gruelling route, from Fort Augustus to Inverness, takes in a large area around Loch Ness, so the runners, who have strongly denied rumours that they will be wearing traditional Scottish kilts, will have plenty of time to keep a look out for one of Scotland's greatest legends. More seriously though, the five, plus Jonathan Webb, who is taking part in the 10K event, are raising money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, and they are hoping that they will be clocking up both the miles and the pounds for the charity. This will be quite a milestone for Pat, as it will be his 21st marathon, while for his son-in-law Dai, it will be his 10th, Ashley's sixth, Matthew's fifth and Nicky's fourth. "It is certainly one of the most scenic marathons I have ever done and we are just hoping Nessie will come out to see us again," said Pat. Anyone who would like to sponsor the boys is asked to contact them directly. Alternatively, there are collecting boxes at Tenby Bowling Club.
