The fast and flat elevation profile of the Scottish Half Marathon and Scottish 10K routes have proved a big draw for club runners chasing fast times in recent years, and 2017 looks to be no different.
Among those set to toe the line later this month is Ross Houston. The Central AC athlete, who represented Scotland in the marathon at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, has a half marathon best of 65:50 from 2012. More recently, Houston picked up a British title over the 50K ultra marathon distance, and will certainly go in as the hot favourite. He said:
“I’m building up to run the York marathon in October, so the Scottish Half Marathon is a great opportunity to run in a competitive race beforehand. I’ve been running lots of miles in training so I’m not sure what time to expect, but I’m certainly looking forward to the challenge.”
Houston’s likely challengers include last year’s second placer in the Scottish 10K, Peter Avent who has a best of 30:35 over the shorter distance which he set at the Edinburgh Men’s 10K last year, and Sunderland Harrier Andrew Powell, who will be hoping to improve on his 72:02 clocking at the Edinburgh Marathon Festival Half Marathon back in May.
The women’s field is headed by Edinburgh AC’s Catriona Probert who broke the three hour marathon barrier for the first time this year. Fife AC’s Jennifer Cruickshanks could be her nearest challenger after a successful 2017 season which included a host of personal bests from 5K (18.54) up to the half marathon (90:48).
The Scottish 10K will kick off proceedings on Sunday 24th September, starting at 9am at Musselburgh Racecourse, before the half marathon gets underway at 11am from Meadowmill Sports Centre.
Late entries for both the Half Marathon and the 10K are still available, but will close at 5pm on Wednesday 20th September. You can grab an entry at www.scottishhalfmarathon.com.
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