S5 Eps 9 Young Hearts, Run Free - Ding Ding with Johnny Fling - 21 April 2022

The Highland Fling is a 53 mile trail race which traditionally takes place every year in April. This years race is the first since 2019 as a result of the global pandemic. Ding Ding The Highland Fling is back! The route follows the West Highland Way, Scotland’s oldest official long distance footpath, through the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. The Fling is one of the hottest race tickets around in Scotland and sells out (normally goes to a ballot) very soon after race entry is made available. For those who are already thinking ahead...The Highland Fling has been classed as a three point qualifier for entry into the 2023-2025 UTMB® races. #justsaying In this episode we catch up with race director John Duncan aka Johnny Fling to speak about preparations for The Fling, find out what's involved in setting up that world famous finish line, and cover some of the race advice and rules in the 2022 Runner Handbook (you've all read that...right?) We hear about John's own running memories where he picks out and shares some very special moments.  What's behind the 'Ding Ding' race tradition? Where did it start? All is revealed in this episode! The chat is focussed mainly on the race itself and the people involved, volunteers, marshals, runners and supporters. It's all of these people that make trails running such a wonderful sport to be a part of. We also catch-up with co-host Steven Watt, still stateside and fresh from his adventure in Boston Marathon. Yep, Young Hearts Run Free are transatlantic...again! We begin to unpick Stevie Boys USA trip (more on that later!) with a wee chat about the hot topics, weather, food and of course...shwanking!