Hastings and Gunnell Battle The Monster

29 JUL2010

Sally Gunnell and Gavin Hastings have been confirmed as two of the famous faces who have signed up to take part in the 2010 First Monster Challenge, a 120Km team relay duathlon around Loch Ness on September 11. The race, which has already sold out, will see 1,000 competitors battle around the shores of Loch Ness on foot and two wheels.

Olympic Gold Medal 400m hurdler, Sally Gunnell and Scottish rugby legend Gaving Hastings met at Edinburgh Zoo to come face to face with a monster of a different kind, a 2ft long bearded dragon called Smaug.

Sally has never taken part in the Monster Challenge before and is looking forward to it. "I've been training hard so hopefully I won't let my team mates down. The main aim of the event is to raise money for good causes and in particular First's charity partner, Save the Children. More than £170,000 was raised in 2009 - I hope we can beat that total."

Gavin Hastings is a veteran of the event, "I will take on the Monster for the third time in September and, as always, my aim is to get round in one piece. For an event of this nature to sell out year on year demonstrates just how enjoyable it is - the team spirit, the views, the organisation and the course itself are first class. It has become one of the highlights of my year."

The First Monster Challenge has been officially accredited by the British Triathlon Foundation and consists of teams of four. Each competitor is required to complete two legs of the eight-legged event - one 10km run and one 20km cycle. For more information, visit the First Monster Website.