On Saturday 18 June, in the glorious Perthshire sunshine, over 500 participants registered to tackle the eagerly awaited annual Scottish adventure - and the highlight in a number of cycling and walking enthusiasts’ calendar - the Martin Currie Rob Roy Challenge.

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All new for 2016
Now in its 11th year the Martin Currie Rob Roy Challenge celebrated an even bigger and exciting programme with new and exhilarating routes aimed at various levels of ability. Starting in Pitlochry and finishing in Kenmore, each of the new routes offered their own charm and challenge ranging from the 16-mile Rob Roy ramble, to the 72-mile test of stamina and endurance known as Shiehallion’s Shadow with two additional routes covering the 31-mile MacGregor’s Leap and the 51-mile Big Red options.

 

Helping raise money for a number of great causes
As a well-loved and established fund-raising event, the Martin Currie Rob Roy Challenge raises monies for a number of great charities chosen by the Martin Currie Charitable Foundation (MCCF). This year, the Rob Roy Challenge’s chosen charity partner is Mercy Ships, the international charity which operates the world’s largest floating hospital, the Africa Mercy.  The Foundation’s  six other nominated charities represent Breast Cancer Now, Cyrenians, Maggie’s, Marie Curie and Mercy Corps.

Sheena Kelman, Head of Dealing at active equity specialists, Martin Currie Investment Management, is a stalwart of the Martin Currie Rob Roy Challenge. Involved from both an organisational and participative perspective, Sheena is also Chair of the Martin Currie Charitable Foundation. She joined the many participants in this year’s adventure and has been involved with the charity raising event since its inception in 2006.  As one of the hardy souls to have embraced the new routes, Sheena said, “the feedback we’ve received this year from those who participated has been the most positive yet.  We’d like to commend all those who took part in this tough yet rewarding challenge for their determination and tenacity in reaching the finish line and for delivering a successful outcome for all the great charities the challenge supports.”

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Over 6,000 participants have taken part in the Rob Roy Challenge since inception
Having registered over 6,000 competitors over the last 11 years, one highly-skilled regular contender to participate in the Martin Currie Rob Roy Challenge has included record-breaking adventurer, Mark Beaumont. His hallmark represents world firsts and world records and he has overcome many challenges and setbacks along the way. He comments: “the Martin Currie Rob Roy Challenge is an amazing event that I have supported for many years. It takes in some of the most incredible scenery around Pitlochry and Loch Tay, and has different levels so people of all abilities can take part. It is the perfect family weekend, and a great challenge for all participants, which benefits a number of fantastic charities.”

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Mark was also enthused about this year’s four new exciting routes and added: “After a decade of tough miles and fantastic fundraising on the old route, it was great to see the success of the new routes for the Martin Currie Rob Roy Challenge. Those who had completed the event before certainly loved the change and for new participants it gave a wider range to cater for all abilities. There was a wonderful buzz around the finish and my family and I enjoyed being a part of the celebrations. Well done to all those who took part or volunteered for the event.”

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Not only known for walking and cycling routes, the Martin Currie Rob Roy Challenge is also famous for its post-event party held by the shores of Loch Tay in Kenmore.  This year’s event was even bigger and better with the Martin Currie Rob Roy Challenge teaming up with Monachyle MHOR to offer participants, supporters, family and friends the brand-new Rob Roy Challenge KenMHOR Festival. With entertainment, market stalls, music and fireworks there was something for everyone.

Sheena adds, “The effort that has gone into this charitable event has been significant and we are proud to play our part, as event sponsor, in contributing to the excellent work carried out by each of our charity partners."

If you are interested in helping to raise money for any of the Martin Currie Rob Roy Challenge charities please click on the link to donate:

 

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Rob-Roy1

Sheena Kelman is Head of Dealing at Martin Currie Investment Management.