Marathon man David runs 102 miles for mental health.

True grit shows through as fundraiser takes on ultra-marathon over more than 102 miles

A Perthshire man finished second in a gruelling ultra-marathon while raising money for a mental health charity.

David Wallace, a 42-year-old landscaper from Blackford, completed the Ultra-Trail Snowdonia (UTS) in Wales on Sunday, trekking more than 102 miles of mountain range, the equivalent of climbing 11 Munros.

The challenge began on Friday and had to be completed within 48 hours. David’s time of just under 40 hours meant he was one of only 13 out of 40 to complete the trail. It was the first time he had attempted a run of that length, his previous best being 53 miles.

Perth mental health charity Mindspace has worked closely with Mr Wallace and his family this year and his excursion has raised more than £1,800, smashing his £1,000 target.

The mental aspects of the challenge provided Mr Wallace with the perfect opportunity to give back to charity.

He said: “It was mainly a mental challenge so I thought this would be a good opportunity to raise awareness and show support to them.

“The terrain that we had to cross was slow, with boulder fields that were icy and sections of bog.

“I wanted to finish under 40 hours, which made me push through the pain, mentally and physically, to finish at 39 hours and 51 minutes.”

Tracey Reilly, marketing manager at Mindspace, said: “We can’t thank David enough for his thoughtfulness and generosity in taking part in this event and raising much needed funding on behalf of Mindspace.

To donate visit mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/davidwallace1

Meanwhile, Mindspace is running a parade on June 23 at North Inch, alongside other charities and local groups, to promote mental health awareness and support the young people of Perth and Kinross.

Contact Mindspace on 01738 631639.

It was mainly a mental challenge so I thought this would be a good opportunity to raise awareness and show support to them. DAVID WALLACE

David Wallace of Perthshire battles on to finish the Ultra-Trail Snowdonia challenge in second place.