29 May Chairman’s Challenge Completed
On Sunday 25th May, Ally Brunton completed the Edinburgh Marathon, the fourth and final race in his epic ‘Run Chairman Run’ Challenge, raising funds for the Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ ‘Big Build’ Campaign.
Over the past 8 months Ally, SAYFC’s 2024/25 Chair, alongside members from across the country, has finished a half marathon in each of the association’s three regions building up to Sunday’s final test in Edinburgh.
The East Fife young farmer admits that the challenge has been tougher than expected:
“When I first mentioned the idea of running a half marathon in each of the three SAYFC regions and finishing with the Edinburgh marathon, it seemed like a good idea back in July.
In reality, it’s been pretty painful. I’ve definitely not caught the running bug yet. But the whole point of doing this was to raise awareness and hopefully gain a few sponsors to help towards the ambitious Big Build Project.”
The inspiration behind this gruelling test was to create engagement and generate funds for “The Big Build”. A campaign aimed at raising the funds required to build a new home for Scotland’s young farmers. Ally continued:
“If we could travel around the country, engage with members in each region, and ultimately gain momentum in our fundraising efforts, then that’s what would get us to the finish line in each race.”
Ally was joined by fellow members for each of his races across the country. And their support and the support of the young farmers community was instrumental in driving him across the finish line:
“A massive thank you to everyone who has joined me on any of the runs, come along to cheer us on, and especially to those who have donated so far! It is all pretty overwhelming and very much appreciated.
I need to give a special shout out to Linsey Campbell and Grant Barr, who have been beside me since the first half marathon in Arbroath, and carried me to the finish on Sunday in Edinburgh. I definitely wouldn’t have made it without them keeping me going!”
At the time of writing the challenge has raised an impressive £4,276 for the ‘Big Build’ and Ally is hopeful that this will inspire not only further donations but more Young Farmers to hold their own fundraising efforts for the campaign:
“There is still time to donate and get involved in the Big Build Project. If you think about the number of people that have benefited from being a member of SAYFC, current and past, the impact it has had is significant.
If every one of them had a look at the future, then a small contribution from them all could have a huge impact on this project.
We’re doing this so that SAYFC is as strong in 50 years as it is now, if not stronger!”
To find out more about the ‘Big Build’ and how you can get involved and donate please click the link below:
The Big Build