Harvey the Heart and Bobby the Bee vie for Guiness Book of Records
A world record looks to have been set at the Inverness Half Marathon - by two charity mascots.
Harvey the Heart and Bobby the Bee crossed the finishing line together with a time of 1.37.03 which, if verified, will be a new world record for the fastest half marathon by mascots.
Both were raising cash for the development of the new Highland Hospice.
Charity runner Frank Gilroy of Bellahouston Roadrunners was dressed as Harvey the Heart while Kenny Steele, chief executive of the Highland Hospice, had donned the Bobby the Bee costume to run round the 13.1 mile course.
Frank (51) already holds the record for the marathon distance while dressed as the mascot from the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow.
He said: “It was a fantastic event, and to get the record alongside Bobby the Bee tops off a fantastic day for me and the hospice. I would like to say thanks to Bobby the Bee for helping to make it such a memorable occasion.”
Inverness Harriers member Kenny (47) is every bit as pleased that they were able to cross the finishing line together and highlight the work of both hospices.
I’ve been overwhelmed by the support for Bobby and our fund-raising efforts and it’s a great bonus that we may have made it into the charity books
He said: “Taking part in the half marathon as Bobby the Bee has been a completely new challenge for me.
“I’ve been overwhelmed by the support for Bobby and our fund-raising efforts and it’s a great bonus that we may have made it into the charity books. I would like to pay thanks to everyone who has sponsored a runner today.”
The previous world record time for a half marathon by a mascot was by Jefferson the Dog, who completed the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon in 1.46.27 in 2011.
Funds raised for Highland Hospice will go towards the charity’s campaign to rebuild the inpatient unit in Inverness.
The project, which has £1.9m to go to reach its target, will lead to the size of the inpatient unit being doubled, with improvements in family accommodation. Construction is due to start in May, with completion due in 14 months.
