Over a few pints Richard Kellett, Chris MacLullich and Brian Crozier came up with the serious challenge of the Mull Grand Traverse. While many schemes born of the pub tend not to make it past the next morning’s sobriety it seems that this one is actually going ahead!

"We wanted something really difficult to get our teeth into." said Kellett. "It also had to be a new challenge which to our knowledge has never been attempted before. This year is a bit of a trial run and, if all goes well, we hope to make it an annual event."

They plan to run and cycle from Ardalanish Point in the South to Ardmore Point on the North West coast of Mull, all within daylight hours of October the 22nd. Furthermore, their course will take them via the summit of Ben More, Mull’s only Munro (3172ft). The entire route is about 50 miles (16 running and 34 cycling) with over 4000 feet of ascent, and is expected to take around 6-8 hours.

All money raised through sponsorship and donations will go to the Martyn Bennett Trust which was set up earlier this year to encourage and assist young musicians.

The three, who are from Edinburgh, will be joined by Howie Pitman and Cally Fleming, both Muileachs who have also agreed to participate.

Cally Fleming, the only female member of the squad, said:

"I jumped at the chance to help raise some money for the Martyn Bennett Trust. Martyn did a lot to help young musicians here on Mull and further afield and this is one way to carry on the good work. I do a lot of running and cycling, but have never covered such an arduous course in one day. We are all really looking forward to the challenge."

It is hoped that the Mull Grand Traverse can become an annual event, and this year’s time will set the target for a larger number of participants next year.

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Click here to view images from the 2005 Mull Grand Traverse.
Click here to view read Colin Morrison's report of the Mull Grand Traverse.

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For further information contact:
Barryjohn [BJ] Stewart : bj@martynbennett.com
Chris MacLullich : chris@martynbennett.com

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Postal donations to the Martyn Bennett Trust can be sent to:

The Martyn Bennett Trust
BJ Stewart c/o
64 Newbattle Terrace
Edinburgh EH10 4RX