A charity challenge which proved too tough for all but two entrants last year will return this spring – albeit with slightly relaxed guidelines.
The Cairngorm to Coast event was launched last summer, tasking competitors with trekking 33 miles from the Cairngorm Ski Centre to Ballindalloch Castle, before cycling the same distance to the RAF Lossiemouth airbase.
However last year’s inaugural event proved so onerous that 16 of the 18 entrants failed to complete it.
Organisers speculated that many participants had embarked on the trek without appreciating the depth of the challenge they were facing.
And while the team behind this year’s event promise that it “won’t be for the faint-hearted”, they have made it slightly less rigorous.
Top athletes will still be able to test themselves by traversing more than 60miles in total, but less zealous participants will be offered a gentler route.
Despite proving too much for many, last May’s event nevertheless raised more than £5,000 for the RAF Benevolent Fund (RAFBF).
Lossiemouth RAFBF volunteer Karen Cox spoke of her hopes that the fundraiser could become an annual fixture.
“We are very excited to be able to run Cairngorm to Coast for a second year and are hoping it continues to grow in the coming years,” she said.
“To be able to offer something like this is fantastic, and we are very lucky once again to have some amazing professional support.”
Local fitness groups Outfit Moray and Bike Revolution are organising the event for the second time, and have worked hard to create alternative options for those tackling this year’s instalment.
One course will involve an 18-mile trek from the Cairngorm Ski Centre to Grantown and then a 43 mile cycle to RAF Lossiemouth.
Less exacting options include an 18 mile hike followed by a 22 mile cycle, or just the 18 mile trek by itself.
Mrs Cox added: “This is not a challenge for the faint-hearted, it will require proper training and only those who have readied themselves for it will be able to complete the entire distance.”
Last year only Rebecca Scott and Emma Zweig, both members of RAF Lossiemouth’s XV Reserve Squadron, completed the route on the day.
The Cairngorm to Coast challenge will take place on Saturday, May 28.
For details on how to take part, visit
teamrafbflossiemouth.org.uk/c2c16