Fundraiser Craig set to complete 10k challenges

Fundraiser Craig Lowrie is set to run the final leg of his series of Borders festivals 10k challenges this week.
Craig Lowrie was joined on his Lauder run by Hagen Steele and David Henry.Craig Lowrie was joined on his Lauder run by Hagen Steele and David Henry.
Craig Lowrie was joined on his Lauder run by Hagen Steele and David Henry.

The 42-year-old father of last year’s Braw Lad Robbie Lowrie decided to run 10km on the day of every main festival in memory of his sister Donna, who was tragically killed in a car accident just before Robbie carried out his duties.

He’s so far ran at Hawick, Selkirk, Melrose, Peebles, Gala, Jedburgh, Duns, Innerleithen, Kelso, Musselburgh and Lauder, and will complete his challenge on Thursday by running along the route of the Flodden Rideout at Coldstream.

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He’ll start his challenge at the public car park near the Border town’s war memorial at around 10.30am, taking in Cornhill-on-Tweed, Learmouth, Branxton and the Flodden monument, where he’ll be met by Robbie who’ll run back with him along the main road to Cornhill, finishing at the Besom Inn at Coldstream.

Craig’s dad Andy is also joining the duo at Cornhill to run the final leg, making it three generations of Lowries heading back to Scotland.

Orignially, Craig hoped to raise £1,000, but he has surpassed that in style, raising to date more than £6,500, which will be divvied up between the various common ridings and festivals, and ward 15 of the Borders General Hospital.

He has gained a fair bit of support along the way, with people lining the streets to welcome him at the finish line.

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Craig said that this last arduous run in Lauder was particularly emotional.

He told us: “All runs have been memorable in their own way, running up Scott Street in Gala, although Robbie still didn’t let me go up first, and the Lauder finish as that was the spot I last spoke to my sister before her crash last year on Threepwood night.

“I’ve been supported by local businesses like borders.co.uk, who supplied my trainers and T-shirts, and R&L taxis who also offered to buy my trainers.

“The filling station in Selkirk supplied me with four cases of water. Sizzlers burger van in Musselburgh served breakfast for all runners on festival day, and Tesco Galashiels raised £450 for the fundraiser.

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“I’d also like to thank all the principals past or present who joined me on my runs and festival committees who helped organising the routes and gave gifts.

“And, of course, everyone who donated, large or small, they’ve all made a difference.”