Running challenge to thank Edinburgh Children's Hospital Charity

Kayleigh Jamieson Tait pulled on her running shoes over three days at the end of May to complete a gruelling challenge during what should have been the Edinburgh Marathon Festival.

The popular running event, which sees the marathon finish at Pinkie Playing Fields in Musselburgh, was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

That did not stop Kayleigh, who completed five-kilometre and 10-kilometre runs, a half marathon (13.1 miles) and marathon (26.2 miles) over the three days.

The running challenge was in aid of the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, which has supported Kayleigh and husband Gary.

Son Jack, 10, was diagnosed with asthma when he was just a few months old, with the family being regular visitors to the hospital ever since.

Kayleigh, who lives in Macmerry, said: “They will never understand how grateful we are to them. We will cherish them in our hearts forever.”

Kayleigh Jamieson Tait has completed a gruelling running challenge in aid of Edinburgh Children's Hospital Charity

Kayleigh, 31, is no stranger to raising funds for the charity.

In 2017, she completed a 5k run, before turning her attention to a half marathon the following year. Then, in 2019, she completed a marathon before taking on a virtual 5k, 10k and full marathon last year.

Now, she has completed each of the four events, posting a time of 32 minutes on the Friday for the shortest distance and 70 minutes for the 10k.

On Saturday she clocked two hours and 16 minutes for the half marathon, before finishing the 26-mile route, which took her to Dunbar, in four hours and 41 minutes on Sunday.

Kayleigh, who also has a daughter, 15-year-old Kayla, told the Courier how she was emotional as she entered the final straight outside her work at Haddington Care Home, with residents and staff cheering her on.

The support worker said: “As soon as I saw them, I just started crying. I stopped at the end of the road before coming into the care home and needed to dry my eyes before I got up there.

“A combination of all of them and what I had achieved just hit me.”

READ MORE: Kayleigh ready to run once again

The mum-of-two revealed some ‘classic’ 1990s tunes helped keep her going during the challenge.

She said: “I had a ’90s playlist on.

“Sometimes I create a playlist or I get one and get somebody to put a song on, friends put them on and my children put them on and they are just special songs to them.

“There was the Vengaboys! Me and my friend went to see them live and things like that come on and it just reminds you of those times.

“There are just certain songs that get you moving – like by Steps – and you just start smiling and before you know it you are further along.”

To support Kayleigh, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kayleigh-jamieson-tait6