A POLICEMAN from Auchinleck has successfully overcome mental obstacles and weary legs to complete the Ultra Tour on Arran.

Jason McGinn traversed tricky and mountainous terrain to raise awareness around mental health, including ascents of Goatfell and Castail Abhail, to conquer the gruelling two-day challenge which attracts athletes from across the UK and beyond.

To take on the 51-mile off road running course, the 38-year-old was joined by two officers from the Metropolitan Police who competed in the event to raise money for Police Care UK – a charity focused on treating the physical and psychological injuries inflicted on officers in the line of duty.

Jason, a detective constable based within Ayr Police Office, explained: “I ran the Ben Nevis Ultra two weeks before it so it was really tough. I had planned to do it for a while, really just for myself. I do charity stuff for mental health charity Back Onside so I wore their t-shirt while I ran it to raise awareness.

“I set off on the Saturday dead quick because my legs felt good so I thought I would be able to run it well. I left the other two police officers as my adrenaline was just going. Unfortunately, halfway round, my legs gave up. I was really struggling so I took my time and got to the end.

Cumnock Chronicle:

“I thought I wasn’t going to make the Sunday. I thought I’d done it too quick and not gave myself enough recovery from the last race. I was a bit disappointed and felt as though that was it but I took the decision to at least make the start line on the Sunday and even if I only ran a mile, at least I’d have tried.”

Incredibly, Jason rallied and his energy carried him to the finish line where he secured nineteenth place.

He cites this as a prime example of what you can achieve if you push through your own doubts and worries.

He continued: “It was a 7am start on the Sunday and I was staying a mile and a half from the start line so even motivating myself to get up and do that proved to myself that I have mental resilience.

“I will keep doing stuff like this as much as I can. I like to share things on social media, too, because people might think, if Jason can do it, then I might give it a go. There’s more to it than just going out and running. It’s about applying that mentality to different parts of life.”