Stenny midfielder McLaughlin's challenge sweeps the internet

Stenhousemuir midfielder and fitness coach Scott McLaughlin says he has been delighted with the unexpected response to his online running challenges.
Scott McLaughlin joined Stenhousemuir in the summer as a player/coach and has inspired people all over the country to get out and run/walk with his online challengeScott McLaughlin joined Stenhousemuir in the summer as a player/coach and has inspired people all over the country to get out and run/walk with his online challenge
Scott McLaughlin joined Stenhousemuir in the summer as a player/coach and has inspired people all over the country to get out and run/walk with his online challenge

The former Livingston and Ayr United man, who joined the Warriors last summer, started out by just posting his time from a 5k run near his home early in to lockdown.

Since then he has seen a number of fellow footballers, including a few playing at the very highest level, as well as non athletes getting out and taking on the challenge.

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The 36-year old told the Herald that the challenge came about by total accident.

He said: “I’ve always been a pretty good long distance runner and always kind of done these runs.

“There’s a wee 5k route outside my house, I timed it and came in just under 20 minutes but I wasn’t really going for it properly.

“I thought it was a pretty good time but wanted to compare it so I posted it on Twitter.

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“Then more and more people got in touch and were giving it a go themselves.

“If it’s helping people to take their mind off the way things are at the moment then that’s brilliant.”

The challenge began gaining even more momentum when it was picked up by McLaughlin’s best friend and Scotland international Robert Snodgrass.

The pair played together at Livingston and the runs were brought up in a group chat which also features other Scotland internationals such as Barry Bannan and Steven Fletcher.

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“I started the ‘Scotty 1k Challenge’ once it started spreading to try and get as many people as possible out running, walking or whatever they can do.

“I’ve had loads of guys doing the 1k trying to have the best times, Greg Taylor and James Morrision are a few others who have got involved.

“Greg has the best time I’ve seen so far and if this can get some competition going then great.

“It’s not just elite level athletes doing it, everyone is getting involved.

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“The last couple of weeks have been crazy but it’s been brilliant, it’s just about getting as many people doing it.”

The response to the challenges have also coincided with McLaughlin’s plans to run his first ever full marathon which he is doing in aid of The Kirs Boyd Charity.

“A lot of people with mental health problems have messaged me to say the challenges have helped them get out and active which is great,” explained McLaughlin.

“So I then thought it was best to let people know I was doing the marathon which will be one of the biggest running challenges of my life.

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“It’s the first time I’ve done a full marathon, the longest I think I’ve done before that is ten miles.”

If you would like to support Scott by making a donation to the Kris Boyd Charity you can do so HERE.

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