A SCOTS doctor became the first UK winner of a gruelling North Pole marathon last weekend.
Dr Andrew Murray battled temperatures of -27 celcius at one of the remotest parts of the planet to win in a time of 4hrs 17 mins.
He is the first British winner of the event.
The 10th edition of the race took place on the frozen Arctic ocean with 41 competitors from 18 countries and finished early Saturday morning, April 7.
Dr Murray, the Scottish Government’s Physical Activity Champion, said on his victory at the UVU North Pole Marathon.
He said: “As a day to day General Practitioner, I know the huge difference getting active and staying active can make to people’s health, and to the health of the nation.
Regular walking, or any form of physical activity is one of the best things you can do for your health. 30 minutes a day for adults, or an hour a day for kids can help prevent heart problems, type 2 diabetes and depression.
Keeping our kids active is the single best present we can give them, it improves concentration at school, and keeps them healthy.
“Running at the North Pole is an experience of a lifetime. Your feet sink into the snow with every step and you need to protect yourself from the cold.
“But it’s worth it, the landscape is amazing, and it was fantastic to see every single runner finish. The message to get active is so important, we are taking it to the ends of the earth. I’d urge everyone to do a bit more walking, or whatever form of physical activity suits them – everything counts.
“Keep doing the walking, gardening or sport you are already doing and try to build a little more into your life.”
