£1m to spot the Loch Ness monster
A picture taken in 1934 allegedly showing the Loch Ness monster. Photo: Bentley Archive/Popperfoto/Getty Images
Wednesday August 27 2008
FirstGroup, organisers of the forthcoming First Monster Challenge, revealed it has taken out a £1m insurance policy with Royal and Sun Alliance to pay out in the event of a proven sighting of the Loch Ness Monster during the 120km team duathlon that will be staged around the shores of Loch Ness on Saturday 13th September.
First has taken out the insurance policy after a survey of its competitors revealed that 50% believe that the Monster exists. “Half of our competitors believe that Loch Ness is home to some kind of weird and wonderful monster,” said Paul Moore, FirstGroup’s Communications Director. “However, clearly 50% of our competitors are cynics and disagree. We think that a £1m incentive will encourage both believers and cynics alike to keep an extra close eye on the Loch when they take on the First Monster Challenge on September 13th. It’s not every day that Loch Ness will see 1,000 finely tuned athletes run and cycle round its shores – it may just stir the Monster into making a long awaited appearance. Anything could happen!”
Reported sightings of Nessie have declined sharply in recent years. In 2006 there were only three reported sightings, whilst in 2007 there were two. In 2008 there have been no sightings so far. “Maybe these statistics explain why many of our competitors do not believe in the Loch Ness Monster,” added Paul Moore. “I would be absolutely thrilled if we could prove them wrong on September 13th and have a lucky competitor return home with a £1m cheque!”
Jon Woodman, trading director at R&SA added: “This is one of our more unusual requests, but it certainly gave our team something to get their teeth into and we are, of course, delighted to support such a charitable event. We wish all competitors luck in doing battle with the Monster this year."
The event has caught the imagination of some famous faces. UK model Nell McAndrew, adventurer Ben Fogle, former Olympic medalist Liz McColgan and Scottish rugby legend, Gavin Hastings have already signed up to do battle the Monster.
The First Monster Challenge, which has been officially accredited by the British Triathlon Foundation, consists of teams of four. Each competitor is required to complete two legs of the eight-legged event – one 10km run and one 20km cycle. First has also introduced a gruelling element to the 2008 event. For the elite athlete there is the option of taking on the ‘First Iron Monster Challenge’ – competitors will complete the entire 120km course (40km running and 80km cycling) solo.
First is encouraging all its competitors to raise money for its charity partners, Save the Children. To sign up for the First Monster Challenge, the Iron Monster Challenge or for more information, log on to www.firstmonster.com
