The 2025 XBorder 10k will be the 14th rendition of the event between Carlisle and Gretna.
It starts at Kingmoor Park this year and finishes at Caledonia Park Designer Outlet. And it is sold out, with 1700 competitors signed up to take on the challenge.
Among them is Steve Jack. He has been training hard as he looks to push his wheelchair further than ever before, while also hoping to raise as much money as possible for three-year-old Koda Irving who is currently battling leukaemia.
Steve, 49, was born with spina bifida and has been in a wheelchair since birth.
In 2009 complications meant he needed to have his right leg amputated, and three years later he lost his left leg after his femoral artery burst.
After he got in touch with the race organisers they said they would be more than happy for him to get involved on Sunday February 2.
Steve said: “Now I have a second chance in life I’m trying to do as much as possible.
“I’m excited but I’m getting nervous now!
“I emailed the organisers and said I was interested in doing it. They got back to me and said it would be a good one to do because a lot of it is flat. I left it a while and then I entered.
“It’s been going since 2012 and I’m the first wheelchair competitor to do it.”
His JustGiving page has raised over £400 so far for Gretna youngster Koda.
Steve added: “I have decided to help Koda and his family try to have a little bit of fun and happiness when his treatment allows, whether it’s days out at the zoo, football, amusement park or a little trip away for a few days, anything they want to do really.
“I just wanted to do something to help the wee fella.
“This last week the money has just flown in. I am doing a raffle afterwards as well, and I’ve got some great prizes.”
Training has been going well; Steve attends a gym in Carlisle where he is under the guidance of personal trainer Louise Aiston. And he has also been going out throughout the week to help build up cardio.
Thanks are expressed to everyone who has helped and donated to the raffle and fundraiser.
- n To donate to Steve’s Cross Border 10k fundraiser go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/steve-jack-for-koda
