MACC Challenge 2018 is cancelled

A watery fundraiser hailed as one of Kintyre’s best has foundered before its fifth year. The Machrihanish Airbase Community Company (MACC) Challenge, a Tough Mudder-style obstacle race, traditonally held in November, was conceived to raise funds for Kintyre Kidney Dialysis. The event, which attracted about 190 participants last year, was developed by MACC marketing officer Claire McFadzean, working with James Murdoch and Elaine McGeachy. Last year Fiona Irwin, of Wee Toon Warriors, took on the mantle of organising the MACC Challenge and created 10 extra obstacles. In January, Ms Irwin announced a date change, to the middle of September, which would have seen the Challenge taking place a week before the Campbeltown Highland Games. There were also plans for a children’s Mini-MACC Challenge and a Facebook post stated: ‘After the fantastic success of our 2017 event we are very excited to announce our dates for 2018. ‘We are very aware of the saying “don’t fix what ain’t broken” but have decided to make a change to the dates this year. ‘We are also planning to expand this year by hosting two events.’ Last month a further post cancelled the event. Ms Irwin stated: ‘I know this post will be met with great disappointment as last year’s MACC Challenge was truly amazing. ‘However, time constraints for myself and for other volunteers means I am unable to host MACC Challenge 2018. ‘Last year I relied heavily on a few volunteers and we were so short of people to marshal that the last wave marshalled all morning then went round the course. ‘MACC Challenge is a massive undertaking, the risk assessment alone for MACC Challenge 2017 was 40 pages and requires a lot of time and effort from volunteers. ‘Nowadays we all lead such busy lives that we treasure our time off, being a part of a team, hosting an event such as this, means there is a lot of weekend and weeknight commitments. ‘I hope you all understand my apology, however I cannot give up so much of my time again this year. ‘Should you wish to help with future challenges phone the MACC office on 01586 551555 or enquiries@maccdl. co.uk to discuss.’