In an inspiring display of determination, Ross Beveridge, a 44-year-old father of two, recently donned the Scotland vest for the first time, helping his team secure a victory at the Cowshed Backyard Ultramarathon. This milestone comes after five years of dedicated ultramarathon training, proving that it’s never too late to achieve your dreams.
A Journey into Ultramarathons
Beveridge, who runs a dog walking service called Wags and Walkies, has participated in numerous long-distance events, including the challenging backyard ultra format. In these races, competitors must complete a 4.167-mile loop every hour, with the last runner standing declared the winner.
- Key Highlights of Ross’s Running Career:
- Completed his first backyard ultra two years ago, running 133 miles over 32 hours.
- Finished third in that event, showcasing his endurance and tactical approach.
- Recently received an invitation to represent Scotland at the Four Nations Championships.
Reflecting on his experience, Ross shared, “I’m not really a front-of-the-pack podium kind of runner, so any race any distance really I’m not going to be at the front, but I’ve got a good engine. I’m stubborn enough to just keep going.”
Representing Scotland: A Dream Come True
Ross’s unexpected call to join the Scottish team was a moment of pride. “I’ve never been asked to represent Scotland in anything else, and I didn’t think I ever would be, so I was absolutely delighted,” he said. The event took place in Northumberland, where Ross was thrilled to wear the national vest as part of a nine-member team.
- Event Details:
- The Cowshed Backyard Ultramarathon took place in September.
- Team Scotland finished first with a total of 189 laps completed.
- England placed second with 181 laps, while Kieron Day won the individual trophy.
Ross ran more than 50 miles and participated for over 11 hours before concluding his race after the 14th loop. Despite not finishing the race, his contribution helped secure the team victory, marking a significant achievement in his running career.
Looking Ahead: Future Goals
After experiencing the thrill of representing Scotland, Ross is eager to continue his running journey. He has already signed up for the Rasselbok Backyard Ultra in March, where he hopes to build on his recent success.
- Ross’s Aspirations:
- Aiming to improve his performance in future races.
- Committed to maintaining his fitness and training regimen.
Ross’s story serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that with perseverance and passion, it’s possible to achieve remarkable feats at any stage of life.