George is running wild to combat threat of biodiversity loss in Scottish habitats
A librarian working at the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh (RBGE) is planning to run 356 miles in just eight days to promote work being done to save the world’s habitats.
Beginning on April 23, the ultramarathon will take George Sherrifs on a route around the country’s four botanic gardens – from Benmore in Argyll, to Logan in Dumfries and Galloway, then on to Dawyck in the Borders, before finishing in Edinburgh on April 30.
His Running Wild challenge will see him run up to 50 miles a day while raising funds to support RBGE in its efforts to combat biodiversity loss in Scotland.
Members of the pubic are being invited along to meet George as he makes the final stretch to the lawn at Inverleith House.
George said: “I have undertaken multiple marathons and other challenging long-distance runs over the last 39 years and felt this would be a great way to highlight the vital research and conservation work taking place at our gardens.
“This venture was originally scheduled for 2020, the 350th anniversary year of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – a number that aligned almost perfectly with the 356-mile length of the run – but we sadly had to postpone because of the pandemic. I now can’t wait to start.”
Commending George for his incredible effort, Simon Milne MBE, Regius Keeper of RBGE, said: “George’s journey represents a significant physical and mental challenge, yet through his run, he raises awareness and mobilises tangible support for the work that we do at Edinburgh and our other gardens to combat biodiversity loss and the climate crisis.
“We hope that locals and visitors will join in and support George. Please pop along at noon on April 30, as he completes his incredible journey at Inverleith House at the heart of the garden. The timing couldn’t be better as the garden is looking great.”
Donate at www.justgiving.com/campaign/runningwild.