Lyndsey Blair, whose family is behind the award-winning Scottish hospitality group, Buzzworks Holdings, is preparing to take on one of the world's most extreme physical challenges - the Enduroman Arch 2 Arc.
Beginning on 6th September 2025, the challenge will see the 44-year-old ultra-endurance athlete run 87 miles from London's Marble Arch to Dover, a solo 21-mile swim across the English Channel - with cold water temperatures, jellyfish, and one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world to contend with – finishing on a 181 miles cycle from Calais to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
Only 64 athletes have ever completed the event, with only 14 women among them, but Lyndsey, who started competing in endurance events less than 12 years ago, hopes to become the first Scot to finish the epic challenge.
The gruelling attempt will also help raise funds for hospitality charity Hospitality Action and local charity Ayrshire Cancer Support.
With the challenge fast approaching, Lyndsey is no stranger to pushing physical and mental limits. She's a multiple Ironman finisher, Celtman competitor, Team GB age-group triathlete, and completed a solo Channel swim in September 2022.
Her passion for endurance sport began at a young age as she watched her father, a fellow ultra-distance athlete, travel the world and compete with the sport. She's been racing and training for over a decade – all whilst juggling family life with three children – and completed her most recent ultramarathon alongside her father on 3rd August at Dean Castle Country Park as part of her training regime.
With support from Buzzworks Holdings, Lyndsay’s discipline, drive and team spirit are values that underpin both her sporting achievements and the company's ethos.
Lyndsey Blair, from Troon, said: "This is a challenge I've been building towards for years now, both physically and mentally.
“I know it will push every part of me, but that's exactly why I want to do it. I'm excited, a little nervous, but my mindset gets me through each race.
“I visualise everything, from the start line at the Marble Arch in London to finishing in Paris, and I'll be drawing strength from my family and everyone supporting me to not only complete this challenge, but raise vital funds for two good causes along the way."
Lyndsey trains around 30 hours each week, fitting swimming, running and cycling into her routine. Her husband, Kenny Blair, Managing Director of Buzzworks Holdings, and her niece and training partner Beth Barclay, will join her support crew during the attempt. Her coach and Enduroman official, Jon Cowell, will also be on hand throughout and will officiate every marker ensuring it meets the strict completion criteria of the Arch to Arc challenge.
Kenny said: "Lyndsey has never done things by halves. Her training is relentless, her mindset is inspirational and watching her prepare for the Enduroman Arch 2 Arc has been nothing short of incredible.
“We're all immensely proud of her, as a family, and as a business, and we'll be there to cheer her on throughout this incredible challenge."
Lyndsey's racing journey began with her best friend Gillian McCluskie's invitation to try open water swimming, leading to her first novice triathlon in 2012. By 2014 she had completed her first half Ironman, and in 2015 her first full distance, a progression that highlights her commitment to continually pushing her goals. Tragically, Gillian died from breast cancer in 2018 aged just 36, adding a deep, personal motivation to Lyndsey's fundraising efforts.
Funds raised from Lyndsey’s Enduroman Arch 2 Arc challenge will benefit Hospitality Action, a charity that provides training, employment, and wellbeing support to people from all walks of life seeking to build careers in hospitality, whilst also supporting industry workers facing hardship.
Ayrshire Cancer Support, a local charity providing vital services to cancer patients and their families, will also benefit from the fundraising effort in a touching tribute to Gillian, who brought Lyndsey onto the path of endurance racing.
Lyndsey's attempt begins in early September, having been given a window between 6th and 15th September to complete the challenge. Her start time will depend on Channel forecasts, as favourable weather and tidal conditions are vital for a successful crossing.
As the race approaches, she remains focused, fully prepared and determined to join the elite group of finishers, making history as the first Scot to conquer what is widely considered the world's toughest race.
For those interested in following Lyndsey’s progress, her Instagram account will be updated by her support team throughout the race, providing real-time updates from the road, water, and cycle route - https://www.instagram.com/lyndsey_b_tri_/
To support her fundraising efforts for Hospitality Action and Ayrshire Cancer Support, donations can be made via her fundraising page at https://gvwhl.com/ZSRUE.
Issued on behalf of Buzzworks Holdings by Tigerbond. For more information, or to request an interview, please contact: buzzworks@tigerbond.com
