Ahead of Allison running the Loch Ness Marathon for the Jim Jackson Foundation we caught up with her to see how her training and fundraising efforts were going. Here are 10 quick fire questions with her.

1. Have you ever run a marathon before? If you haven’t, what’s the furthest distance you’ve previously been?

No, I have never run a marathon. Each distance I hit in my training is an achievement for me. When Covid first hit the press as an asthmatic I was very nervous of the impact it would have on me if I caught it. My husband suggested that I started running to build up my lung strength. I started with couch to 5k and built up from there.


2. How is your training going? How many miles are you averaging each week?

I have followed a marathon training programme that has built me up to about 25 miles a week. On Sunday I did my furthest run which was 19 miles (should have been 20 miles). I found it really hard.


3. What’s been the toughest part of your journey so far?

Mentally believing I can do this. I feel great after a good run but when I have had a bad run it stays with me until I manage to achieve that distance. Training through the heat of this summer has also been really tough.


4. Why did you choose the Loch Ness Marathon?

I did apply for the London Marathon but didn’t get a place. My husband and I are celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary this month so we decided to combine it with a week in Scotland and running a marathon together. My god this training has tested the strength of our marriage


5. Have you got a finish time in mind? Or a goal you are aiming for?

I just want to get over the finish line


6. What are you most nervous about in the lead up to the event?

I currently feel exhausted from all the training, I am hoping in the coming weeks I will build myself back up whilst I am in the taper ready for the big day.


7. What made you choose the Jim Jackson Foundation as your charity to support?

Throughout my career I have worked with youngsters that have had a tough start in life. Nothing gives be greater pleasure than seeing people achieve what they didn’t think was possible.


8. Any advice to anyone else who might be thinking about fundraising for the Jim Jackson Foundation?

Start your sponsorship early. I held off starting mine as I doubted whether I could do it. Maybe having sponsorship money raised would have helped me in my mental battles when I am running


9. How do you plan to celebrate once you have crossed the finish line?

I would love to say with a slap up meal and champagne but going by Sunday I don’t think I will stomach that I love a chocolate milkshake after I have run so I will start with that then the rest can come once my stomach settles.


10. If people want to donate, how are they best to support you? (Link to just giving page.)


Allison Murrays sponsorship page