IN less than 50 days time, two Borders women known as the Doddie5 Dazzlers will be participating in the world’s toughest horse race.

Alice Gully (46) from Heriot and Kate Mactaggart (46) from Jedburgh, decided to complete the Mongol Derby which takes place from August 7-20 in temperatures which range from freezing to 38 degrees centigrade to raise £30,000 for Doddie Weir’s My Name 5’ Doddie Foundation.

They will ride semi-broken wild horses over a 1000km route across mountains, rivers and desert through the Mongolian Steppe and survive on a diet of offal and mutton, and the terrain covers mountains, rivers and desert.

Usually, half of the riders quit or are injured before the finishing line but the pair are determined, not only to finish, but to win.

Alice said: “It’s was Kate’s idea but when she suggested we both do it, I jumped at the chance. I’d heard about the race several years ago.

“The actual route and the starting point are kept secret until the day before the race to prevent people practicing and I’m sure it will be pretty competitive.

“It’s a race for proper horsemen and women and the welfare of the horses is very important. There are 40km stages where we change horses and the ones we get off are examined by a vet to make sure they have a steady heart rate. There are time penalties for pushing them too hard.

“Competitors are not allowed to ride before sunrise or after sunset and we can stay with local families.

“It will be daunting and I occasionally waver but when I see Doddie I think ‘well at least I can exercise and get on a horse.’

Kate added: “I was on the Board of the Borders Union Show with Doddie and Alice knows him as well choosing his foundation was an easy choice for us both. We just wanted to do something bonkers for him.

“He is such an inspirational person and every time we see him, he jokes about us needing sudocrem and vaseline.

“We’ve been doing a lot of outdoor training such as walking, cycling and rowing but I think it will be more about the mental strength.

“I think the record time is six days but the average is eight days. And if you are too fare behind after four days then you have to stop and the riders can’t be too spread out for the support team.

“Our aim is to finish the course but to be placed would be amazing.”

My Name’5 Doddie CEO and fellow Borderer Jill Douglas said: “It sounds like an incredible challenge and we can't wait to hear more about their adventures. Over the last four and a half years we have been fortunate to receive support from all kinds of adventurous, bold and inspiring people who have come up with so many exciting and imaginative ways to help us.

“We are committed to a world free of MND and invest significant amounts into targeted research projects and this wouldn't be possible without the support of our amazing fundraisers and supporters. We wish the Dazzlers every success."

To Donate visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/doddie5dazzlers