A MAUCHLINE couple are taking on the challenge of a lifetime by running five marathons in as many days.

Willie and Jill Wyllie are taking on the daunting task by running 26.2 miles daily between April 14 and 18 to raise money for the Scottish Association of Mental Health (SAMH).

Much planning has gone into the venture, including mapping out five separate routes from their home town as far south as Newton Stewart in the Dumfries and Galloway region.

Jill is a speech and language therapist, while Willie works as a chartered certified accountant with a Kilmarnock firm, but they are ready for five days on the road.

She said: “We have done a lot of training, although we are a bit behind schedule after I hurt my back, as well as working out the routes which vary every day. Wherever possible we are trying to keep to the B-roads, which will be easier the further south we get, but the training has been good”.

Setting off from Mauchline on day one, they will head for New Cumnock on a route which records the required miles, and likewise the second day where they end up at St John’s Town of Dalry.

By now in the heart of Dumfries and Galloway, day three will take them to Newton Stewart, while day four is a return to Ayrshire with Girvan the destination.

Jill says: “In the past it has always been a race against time, but over these five days it is all about doing the miles. It will be painful and we are doing each run in one go, only stopping to get a drink or something from our support car.

“The Loch Ness marathon was similar to the routes we are going to be taking, such as the hills around Mauchline — we have driven round them and it will not be easy.”

RA Clement & Co, Willie’s employers, are helping offset the running costs but any further donations of water, fuel for support cars, any help at all, would be gratefully appreciated.

He said: “We have run at marathon level previously but have never taken on such an epic challenge. This idea has been on Jill’s bucket list since completing her last marathon in Loch Ness and now we have the opportunity to attempt this for charity, and are supporting the Scottish Association of Mental Health (SAMH).

“Our challenge is to raise money for a great charity, raise money to get us through the journey...and finish this challenge in one piece.”

Advertising space on the couple’s running tops is available for sponsors — e-mail williamwyllie@btinternet.com or call 07926 089774 to support the courageous couple.

“We would like to thank you in advance for any support,” Willie added.