MSP Willie Rennie celebrates with fellow runners after completing his 117-mile Fife run in aid of mental health charity SAMH. Picture: Kenny Smith.

Willie Rennie raises £7,000 for SAMH by running 117 miles

Tired and sore, MSP Willie Rennie crossed the finishing line after his 117mile charity run at the weekend.

The Scottish Lib Dem leader put himself through the punishing schedule for a charity that is close to his heart, the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH).

Having set a target of £2,000, the Fife MSP had raised £7,000 before he had crossed the finishing line in Newburgh yesterday evening.

Mr Rennie said: “I feel elated to have completed this. I’ve got pain in places I didn’t think it was possible to feel pain, but it’s all been worth it.

“After the past few days of bad weather it was nice to have a sunny day to finish on. I’ve done quite a few races in the past, but never anything like this. I ran more miles per day than I ever have in a whole race.

“As well as the distance there was a huge amount of climbing – the equivalent of two Ben Nevises – but I had a great support team and I’m so glad I managed to do this.”

The challenge was hard on his legs, but keeping the politician going through the bleakest of weather was the thought of that money rolling in for a worthwhile cause.

He revealed he received an alert every time a new donation was made and that was what kept him going relentlessly on, running the entire length of the Fife Coastal Path.

Mr Rennie set off on Friday from the Kincardine gateway to the coastal path, passing the three world famous Forth bridges and dockyard en route.

Despite unseasonably cold and wet weather, he completed the 40-mile first stint, breaking overnight in Buckhaven.

Day two was not much better weatherwise, and it even started snowing round about the East Neuk, but the famous Rennie smile stayed put, and he even found time to tweet that the area was still looking great.

The final leg was yesterday, Easter Sunday.

After a breakfast of mini Creme eggs, Willie and his supporters set off from Kingsbarns.

The weather god must have been feeling kind though, and the final stint was bathed in glorious sunshine.

This kept spirits up even though his legs became more and more sore.

The 50-year-old runner posted a message that his “cheery face” hid the pain and he had to get some bandage support in St Andrews before heading for the tape.

It was all in aid of SAMH because he said he had seen the “fantastic” work it does for so many people across Scotland.

“But they need more money to help more people,” he added.

To make a donation visit justgiving. com/fundraising/willie-rennie

Picture: Kenny Smith. Willie Rennie smiles, perhaps through gritted teeth, as he crosses the finishing line in Newburgh yesterday.