Four ultramarathons and London Marathon planned for The Yard
AN EDINBURGH mum is preparing to cover more than 300 miles in 2027 for a beloved Scottish disability charity.
Katie Fairbairn, 36, will take on four ultramarathons and the London Marathon during the 40th anniversary year of The Yard, which supports disabled children, young people and their families across Scotland.
A mum of three young boys, Katie has gone from completing her first ultramarathons earlier this year to building an Instagram community of nearly 7,000 followers and being selected as a Rat Race ambassador for 2027.
Katie said: “I’m not an elite athlete. I’m an ordinary mum of three who decided to find out what might happen if I kept putting one foot in front of the other.
“I never imagined that would lead to completing a 70-mile and 100-mile ultramarathon, becoming a Rat Race ambassador and signing up for five huge challenges in a single year.
“Balancing training with family life, work and a new business won’t be easy, but The Yard is a charity that means a great deal to us and that will keep me going when things get tough.
“Its 40th anniversary feels like the perfect opportunity to celebrate everything it has achieved and help ensure more families can benefit from its support in the years ahead.”
Before her recent challenges, the only organised running event Katie had completed was a 10K race back in 2008.
This year she completed Rat Race’s 70-mile The Wall ultramarathon and the 100-mile Castle to Castle challenge from Edinburgh to Glamis, raising close to £4,500 for charities including Held In Our Hearts and The Yard.
Through her Instagram account, @frommummytoultra, Katie shares the realities of balancing endurance training with work, family life and everyday commitments.
Dan Gerrard, Head of Fundraising at The Yard, said: “As we prepare to celebrate our 40th anniversary, everyone at The Yard is absolutely thrilled to have Katie’s support.
“To complete four ultramarathons and the London Marathon in a single year will be an incredible achievement and we could not be more proud of her. The Yard provides vital opportunities, support and inclusive play for disabled children, young people and their families across Scotland, and we simply couldn’t do that without champions like Katie.
“She is an inspiration and we’ll be right behind her every step of the way. We hope as many people as possible will support her challenge and help us continue delivering life-changing services for families across Scotland.”
Founded in Edinburgh in 1987, The Yard provides inclusive play, family support and community services for disabled children and young people from birth to age 25. The charity operates centres in Edinburgh, Dundee, Glasgow and Kirkcaldy, alongside outreach services supporting families in communities across Scotland.
Each year, thousands of children, young people and family members benefit from The Yard’s services, which provide opportunities to play, build confidence, form friendships and access support in a safe and welcoming environment.
Donations can be made via this Just Giving link.
Rat Race is one of the UK’s best-known adventure and endurance event organisers, staging challenges across the country ranging from ultramarathons to multi-day expeditions.
As a Rat Race ambassador, Katie will help promote events, share her experiences with fellow participants and encourage others to take on challenges they may never have thought possible.