Poppyscotland Hearts and Heroes Challenge

The route follows the stunning Southern Upland Way starting at Tibbie Shiels Inn, St Mary’s Loch through to the famous Greenyards Rugby Stadium, Melrose.  You will be walking on ancient pathways with spectacular views over the Borders countryside.  Edwards’s army marched on this very route, over the Minch Moor and the three Brethren when fighting the Scots back in the 13th century.  Support teams will be able to meet their teams at two locations en route to Melrose.  Teams will be welcomed in Melrose with a sumptuous feast, massage, music, prize giving and entertainment.

With three different distances and six different entrance categories, this is our most accessible and inclusive event.  The challenge is to complete 12 (bronze), 21 (silver) or 29 (gold) miles of the Southern Upland Way in no more than 12 hours.  So why not get fit, have fun, and raise money for two great charities?

David Fox-Pitt, Event Manager

“I would encourage people to form teams and participate in the Hearts and Heroes Challenge because it is such a worthy cause.”
Simon Cross, Edinburgh Rugby Club Captain

Race Tips

• Train Hard, Fight Easy! In keeping with the military theme you should make sure that you do a progressive training program with plenty of hills. Lots of training will also help to toughen your feet.
• Hydrate well the day before and on the morning of the event.
• Bring your camera, there are amazing views between the Bronze and Silver Checkpoints.
• Think out of the box when it comes to your fundraising. Why don't you organise a party, get the food and drink donated and charge a small donation for entry.

• What a superbly organised event from start to finish. No stone was left unturned and as such all the people working behind the scenes deserve huge praise and credit. The scenery for the walk itself was breathtaking which made things less painful especially over the last few miles. I'm looking forward to next year already. This event is just going to get bigger and bigger. -
• For anyone wishing to take part in a challenging walk in beautiful surroundings with the added bonus of raising huge amounts of money for charity, then the Hearts and Heroes Challenge fits the bill. -
• Well organised. Strikes a good balance between challenging and enjoying yourself -
• Everything about the day was brilliant - even the agony and blisters paled into insignificance when the realisation of the vast sums of money raised became evident. -
• A wonderful day out. Real sense of occasion. Two great causes that don't get the profile of other charities and that also share similar values. Great to have families at the end too because it felt like how a rugby club used to be. I had a real sense of achievement afterwards because it is quite a significant undertaking. I want to run it all next year. -