Peter’s Antarctic quest will raise funds for Perth Autism Support

A Perthshire man is taking on a chilly challenge to raise money for an autism charity.

Peter Ritchie, 56, is running this year’s Antarctic Ice Marathon to generate cash for Perth Autism Support.

The run, which takes place on November 24, will see Peter undertake the 26.2 miles in average temperatures of -20C.

A JustGiving page set up for the run has already raised more than £800.

Peter, from Blairgowrie, said a family member receives support from the group and he had decided to boost the charity’s coffers after a recent funding crisis brought it to the brink of closure.

“I just thought it would be a great way to raise some cash for them, as they are not government funded and need as much as they can get,” he said.

Peter, who works as refuse collector, has an impressive 61 marathons to his credit.

They include the Abbot World Marathon Majors, which requires runners to take on events in Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York.

The Antarctic run will also mean Peter is one step closer to joining the Seven Continents Club. To become eligible for membership, runners must have completed a marathon on each continent and with five already ticked off so far, Peter now needs only to run in Antarctica and South America.

He said: “I am hoping to go to South America next year to complete the seven continents, which only 636 people have managed.”

Peter has received tips from fellow runners and is also borrowing clothes from previous winner of the Antarctic Ice Marathon, Dr Andrew Murray.