Challenging conditions, unpredictable weather and clouds of midges are all in a day’s work next month for Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) Acquisitions Librarian George Sherriffs, as he prepares for his new, ultra-marathon challenge - running an incredible 356 miles over eight days to promote the work being done to save the world’s habitats.

This ambitious feat will see George circuit the research institute’s four Gardens, beginning his challenge at Benmore Botanic Garden in Argyll on Tuesday, April 23, before journeying south to Logan Botanic Garden in Dumfries & Galloway and Dawyck Botanic Garden in the Scottish Borders. For the final leg of this astonishing journey, George will head back to the capital, arriving at Inverleith House at the heart of the Edinburgh Garden on Tuesday, April 30. The route, amidst some of Scotland’s hilliest backdrops, includes several sections where he will run distances of some 50+ miles each day.

George explained: “I have undertaken multiple marathons and other challenging long-distance runs over the last 39 years and felt this would be a great way to highlight the vital research and conservation work taking place at our Gardens.

“This venture was originally scheduled for 2020, the 350^th anniversary year of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – a number that aligned almost perfectly with the 356-mile length of the run – but we sadly had to postpone because of the pandemic. I now can’t wait to get started.”

Commending George for his incredible feat, Simon Milne MBE, RBGE Regius Keeper said: “George’s journey represents a significant physical and mental challenge. Yet, its purpose goes beyond personal achievement. Through his run, he raises awareness and mobilises tangible support for the work we do across Scotland and globally to combat biodiversity loss and the climate crisis.

“From the beginning of his epic journey at Benmore to the last few undoubtedly exhausted steps at Edinburgh, we hope that people across Scotland will join in and support George. Cheer him on at our four Gardens, or even run alongside him for one mile or 10.”  

Each of the four Gardens are different in topography, soils and climate, enabling an exceptionally wide range of plants to be grown and researched for wider conservation efforts. Together, Benmore, Logan, Dawyck and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh constitute one of the richest plant collections on Earth.

To donate to the campaign: www.justgiving.com/campaign/runningwild