Runner Megan bids farewell to Scotland

A WOMAN is aiming to become the fastest woman to run the entire coastline of Britain has finished the Scottish leg of her challenge.

And Megan Boxall’s route brought her through Dumfries and Galloway.

She arrived in Scotland on January 19 and ran from Carlisle to Annan, through Dumfries, Dalbeattie, Kirkcudbright, Newton Stewart, Whithorn, Glenluce, and on through Ayrshire and up the West coast.

It’s part of her 200 marathons in 200 days in aid of the Samaritans, a charity close to her heart.

Megan set off from Suffolk last October and is on track to have completed the entirety of her challenge by May 9, which would make her the fastest woman to run the entire British coastline. And she’s following in her late uncle’s footsteps, who walked the route aged 33 after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.

Meanwhile, her run has raised £30,000 for the suicide prevention charity, as well as raising awareness of mental health and help-seeking in rural and coastal communities.

Two years ago Megan was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and faced struggles with her mental health. She made five calls to Samaritans and credits them with helping her cope.

She said: “I hope that by talking more about my experiences with Samaritans and raising some money while I circle the country, I can help anyone who might be struggling.”

Photo: Ryan Redman