/ 21 August 2007

Race insures against Loch Ness monster attack

Organisers of a race in Scotland have taken out a £1-million insurance policy against attack by or sighting of the fabled Loch Ness monster.

Transport operator FirstGroup said in a statement that its policy with insurers Royal & Sun Alliance would pay out should “Nessie” emerge from the murky depths of the vast watercourse and/or attack one of the competitors.

First Monster Duathlon race director Malcolm Sutherland said they were planning for all eventualities.

Jon Woodman, trading director at R & SA said: “This is one of our more unusual requests, but it certainly gave our team something to get their teeth into.”

Any “proven sighting” has to be independently verified, subject to policy terms and conditions, the insurer said.

The event, on September 2, requires individuals in each team of four to complete two legs of the eight-legged event around the shores of Loch Ness, in northern Scotland — one 10km run and one 20km cycle.

Money raised will go to charity. — AFP