New Cumnock athlete completes 380km Wales race for charity

Callum Laird is no stranger to incredible challenges or raising funds for great causes.

In the past, he has completed the likes of the Skye Trail Ultra marathon, a 125km run across one of the Canary Islands and various other incredible events.

This was in between Callum almost falling to his death after an incident which saw him plunge more than 1,500 feet into Glen Rosa on Arran, with his fall only broken by rocks and trees.

But his efforts went one step further recently when he completed an unbelievable 380km running journey spread across six days through Wales.

Even more incredibly, Callum finished fifth in his section for the race.

Looking back on the experience, Callum said: “I cannot put into words what I went through.

"From day one to six, it really is unexplainable what you go through from adventure to pain.

“I battled through it and came out the end a new man, a Dragon slayer.”

Callum made sure his efforts in completing what is known as the world's hardest mountain race went towards a worthy cause, as he raised over £1,100 which has been donated to Crosshouse Hospital's stroke ward 3E.

Understandably, he was keen to say a massive thank you to those that have supported him throughout his journey, including his mum and dad, coach Scott Brown, mind coach Kev, partner Nicole and young Allie, his sponsors and all the athletes at Ultra X.

Callum and his closest supporters. (Image: Submitted/Callum Laird)

After donating the cash to the stroke ward, he added: “This was an amazing feeling [donating the money].

“Dragon’s Back has taken a lot out of me, but it’s also given me memories and experiences I’ll carry for the rest of my life.

“So, thank you to everyone who played a part of it.

“There are many other people and I could go on and thank. You all know who you are, so I thank you all.

“I appreciate every single person who has donated to my charity to help the stroke unit at Crosshouse hospital. It means the world.”