Marathon Day 60, Saturday May 14th - Dundee, Camperdown Park to City Square

The day started well with breakfast for everyone at 7.30am.  The Lord Provost, various ABF personnel and a plethora of other officials arrived shortly after 8am and we were ready for the start promptly at 9am after the usual collection of photographs.

A warm welcome from the Lord Provost

The plan was for Andy to be accompanied for the first 5k by  2 PTIs from 225 Medical Regiment. In the event, they both completed the full marathon with him – Well done lads!

The Lord Provost set the runners on their way and then it was all systems go to move the RV to the finish location, in City Square, Dundee.

Off again

Andy was supported on the road with a fully stocked mini bus assisted by police motorcyclists and Sophie's scheduled visits.

Then on arriving at City Square - disaster - a puncture in the inner, rear nearside  tyre (the RV has double wheels at the rear).

A lengthy conversation with the nominated breakdown service, a subsequent transfer to the correct "Truck Assist" number and we were told to expect a technician with us within the hour . . . . . and  they were true to their word!

Two guys arrived and set to with a vengeance and replaced the poorly tyre with the spare and we were sorted!!!  What brilliant service and what a relief!!

We were parked in an ideal location – lots of people  milling around, shopping and more importantly donating to our charity.

Andy was escorted to the finish by Police Motorcycle Outriders and a huge cheer went up as he crossed the line to the sounds of the Cadets Pipes & Drums.  He finished in a time of 6hrs 27mins and attended a brief presentation ceremony in Caird Hall. 

A jubilant Andy approaches the line . . .

Packed up in the rain and set off for Edinburgh where our overnight destination was in North Queensferry, literally right under the Forth Bridge in a B&B run by a close friend of Barry’s.

A little judicious manoeuvring of the RV had us parked up for the night and after a recce of tomorrow’s venue in Holyrood Park, we were treated to a lovely evening meal by Liz, our hostess before retiring to our respective domiciles for the night.

Sunset on the Firth of Forth just before retiring for the night

One more job to do - top up the fresh water supply before calling it a day.  Unfortunately this had to be completed using our 30litre Jerry Can but 4 refills proved sufficient.

Had a visit from both the police and a private security officer whilst I was doing my chores - security is tight because, I was told, Gordon Brown lived nearby in the village. I wondered where that bugger had run to!! lol.

Managed to avoid watching Eurovision except for the appalling results presentation so no great loss there!

Another good day  . . . . .

Benji's Blog
Hi sweetheart, I think that you have a friend coming over this afternoon and then you are going to her house for tea with mummy.  I bet you enjoyed playing with Frankie and then playing again at her house - what fun you must have had.
I hope that you are in bed early tonight because you have your important race tomorrow.  I know that you will do well and that you will enjoy it. It's just like Uncle Andy does except that it's not quite as far.
Champ and Shine are back in the bus after their trip to the beach and are looking forward to getting home to you.
I am looking forward to coming home to you as well.
See you soon.
Lots of love
Daddy
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