Weighty test for Cox in epic for charity

Brechin City striker David Cox will endure a 50km, obstacle-heavy ultramarathon race next week as he raises funds for mental health charity Back Onside.

Cox will wear a 16pound weight vest as a symbol of the struggles he carried around in his head during welldocumented battles with depression.

Cox reckons the Spartans 50km, 60-obstacle course at Drumlanrig Castle will be the toughest physical battle of his life.

However, after bravely battling back from suicidal thoughts. Cox has worked as an ambassador for Back Onside.

He has encouraged others to open up about their struggles and hopes his race can act as a further inspiration.

“This is going to be the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do physically,” said Cox.

“I don’t like running. I have never wanted to do a marathon.

“Now I’m doing an ultramarathon and 60 obstacles with a 16pound weight attached.

“If you pull out of any of the obstacles you have a 30-burpee penalty.

“I’m wearing a 16pound weight and it’s symbolic. It symbolises the fact that we often carry what feels the weight of the world on our shoulders.

“No matter how tough things get that you can always push through. You can always get to the other side.

“It will be very tough. I’ve read on the website that the quickest anyone has completed it in is seven hours.

“I’m not a long distance runner and will carry a stone-anda-half extra with my weight and camel pack.”

Cox will miss City’s Highland League clash with Forres Mechanics next weekend. Brechin are at home to Vale of Leithen tomorrow in the Scottish Cup.