Strathaven sisters prepare to run London Marathon

Feb 4 2010 by Sandra Walls, Hamilton Advertiser

TWO sisters are regularly pounding the streets of Strathaven as they prepare to run in the London Marathon in the Spring.

Jackie McCurry (30) and Liza Linton (32), formerly Jackie and Liza Baillie, plan to raise cash for two of their favourite charities, Help the Hospices and the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The former is Jackie’s choice, inspired by the kindness and care shown to grandfather in St Margaret’s Hospice in Clydebank before his death two years ago.

Liza chose the SSPCA because she is an animal lover and dog owner. Her pets are Springer spaniels called Austen and Ronan.

Mum-of-two Jackie, who now lives in Hamilton with husband Andrew and daughters Hannah (4) and Erin (1) said this will be the sisters’ first marathon and they are thoroughly looking forward to the challenge.

Liza, who lives in Strathaven with husband Fraser, and works in Edinburgh as coaching manager with Scottish Squash, has enjoyed running since she was a teenager.

But Jackie, a swimming instructor with South Lanarkshire Council, only took up the sport just after daughter Hannah was born.

The pair, who are former pupils of Holy Cross High School in Hamilton, try to train together as often as they can but because of Liza’s job, training is mainly restricted to the weekends, when they tend to undertake their longest runs. During the week, they can often be seen out and about in Strathaven, where Jackie is often accompanied by their dad Chris.

The sisters have taken part in the Great Scottish Run and a number of other races, including the East Kilbride 10k.

l Anyone who wishes to sponsor the sisters can contact Jackie on 07989 639 227 or Liza on 07973 187 182.