Get Set For Sun Runs

8 APR2011

Runners in Scotland are gearing up for what should be a fantastic weekend of racing both at home and abroad with sunny weather forecast. Saturday sees hill races, a duathlon, a big trail race at Coniston in the Lakes and the second round of the Montane Scottish Ultra Marathon series plus three 5k parkruns. Happy birthday to the Strathclyde park runners - one year old tomorrow - and congratulations to the team at Pollok Park who are anticipating their 5,000th individual participant.

On Sunday, the momentum increases with half marathons in Edinburgh and Perth; marathons in Lochaber, Brighton and Paris; the Tom Scott races and the Glenlivet 10K.

Biggest turnout in Scotland will be at the ADT Edinburgh Half Marathon where race organiser Mike James is delighted with a record entry of 4,300. Big contingents from England, Spain and the United States will join home runners for the start on the track at Meadowbank Stadium. The route then takes runners out of central Edinburgh to the Firth of Forth coast at Portobello before heading southwards and a the grandstand finish at Musselburgh Racecourse.

Mike James advised runners to apply copious protection to offset both sun and wind factors and also to take full advantage of the five drinks stations (2 Lucozade/3 water) around the course. Mike anticipates lots of spectators, and keen interest in the progress of the River City team led by Claire Knight, who plays Iona McIntosh in the popular BBC series. Claire and her pals are raising funds for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Other River City cast members are expected to turn out and support their plucky colleagues. Check out Claire Knight's recent appearance on STV's The Hours where she talks about taking part in the big race, and also our previous story on scottishrunningguide.com. Visit the Edinburgh Half Marathon website for last minute information about transport, route diversions and other details.

Scottish runners travelling to France will join an international field for the Paris Marathon. Stuart Macdonald (25) from Irvine told scottishrunningguide.com: "I'm running with my older brother Neil (28) and my dad Angus (51) and I'm feeling reasonably confident after having managed 20 miles as my longest run. My main worry is managing my gel and liquid intake in the closing stages but, although it sounds cheesy, I'm motivated by the thought of a post-race photo of the three of us with our medals. Just hope the 'old fella' makes it to the finish line!"

Follow scottishrunningguide.com for results and race reports over the next few days to keep up with progress at all the big races.