In December of 2004, I arrived in Scotland for a two year Working Holiday Visa as a teacher. Little did I know that during that time I would experience some life changing events and challenges. One of these experiences was Marathon running. After a life of Football, Basketball, Cricket, Triathlons and Short-distance running, I didn't believe I had it in me to run over 40 Kms. That was until I met Peter West. Peter is the father of one of my best mates and a keen runner. He is a member of the Lothian Running Club which is based in Livingston, just outside of Edinburgh. Peter West was the inspiration behind my long distance running endeavours. He would have me running along the canal, through forest paths, around the tiny island of Tiree, up Bee Craigs Country Park, along the peaks of the Pentland Hills, and even through snow covered fields. I joined the running club and started preparation towards long distance running. By the end of my 2 year stint, I had run the Lochness Marathon twice and the Edinburgh Marathon. My PB of 3hrs 12min in my second Lochness race is still one of my proudest achievements and I am now in preparation for my 10th marathon, the Melbourne Marathon on the 9th of October. One of the regular events held by the Lothian Running Club was a monthly event called the Fiddlers Handicap. This is where I got the idea for the Peter West Handicap. It is a race of about 4 miles long where you start at different times to other competitors with the anticipation of everyone finishing at or close to the same time. It is a great way for runners and walkers of all abilities to get involved in a race that anyone can win. So, it is this event, the Peter West Handicap, that I dedicate to my marathon running mentor and my dear friend Peter West. My next challenge is to try and get Peter to come out and run it himself.....
Happy trails!
Lachlan Wallace
