Race makes Billy happiest man alive
A Stonehouse man declared himself the “happiest man on the planet” after completing the gruelling West Highland Way Race.
Billy Reid (55) ran the 96-mile route from Milngavie to Fort William in 33 hours.
The service engineer decided to tackle the famous trail in aid of Cancer Research UK and was delighted to raise over £1100.
He said: “I started running at 1am on the Saturday and finished on the Sunday morning just after 10am.”
Billy previously raised £1400 for Cancer Research UK by running the Edinburgh Marathon.
He said: “I picked this charity to run for as nearly everyone I know knows someone who is fighting cancer.
“I ran the first 20 miles to Balmaha with Ian Dorey. I’m so glad I got to run with this seasoned runner as it took the pressure off me trying to navigate in the dark by torchlight.”
The route starts at Milngavie, passes through Mugdock Country Park and follows the shores of Loch Lomond, passing Ben Lomond, through Glen Falloch and Strathfillan, crossing Rannoch Moor, past Buachaille Etive Mor to the head of Glencoe.
Runners then climb the Devil’s Staircase, descending to Loch Leven before entering Lairigmor and Glen Nevis and finishing at Gordon Square in Fort William.
And Billy admitted it was no easy feat, even for a seasoned runner.
He added: “Along the way I thought of my wife, Jacquie and my son Jack, who were worried about me doing this run but I told them I would be fine and never do anything daft. I know my limits.
“It was an incredible journey, not only for me but all my crew, who were fantastic through the whole race. “I’m the happiest man on the planet.” “The marshals and all connected to this race have made this the biggest adventure of my life I have so many people to thank.
“David Dorricott for one pulled out all the stops to make this run as smooth as possible. His posts and video to all my friends kept everyone up to date with my progress.”
Billy thanked his family as well as running buddies Liz, Gail and Stephen, Dionne, Julie and Davie Mooney.