McColgan thumbs up for bigger and better marathon
Scottish running legend Liz McColgan insists next year’s Stirling Scottish Marathon route will be flatter and faster.
The Great Run Company last week revealed that the event would be returning to the city for a second year in 2018.
Organisers were keen to build on the massive success of this year’s race, in which over 4000 took part, and they believe the marathon will be back bigger and better next year – with a new route and an earlier date.
It will take place on Sunday, April 29, with participants starting and finishing in the city centre. Changes were made following feedback from runners.
And while there will be some alterations to the event, runners will still be able to take in some of the area’s finest sights – from Blair Drummond Safari Park and the University of Stirling, to Dunblane and Bridge of Allan.
And Ms McColgan, a Stirling Scottish Marathon ambassador, will be posting marathon training advice and videos for those taking part in the 26.2-mile event.
She said:“Running a marathon is a wonderful experience and something that will both challenge and reward you in equal measure. The feeling of running in the inaugural Stirling Scottish Marathon in 2017 will stay with me for a long time as the incredible support of a home crowd kept me going from the start line to the finishing tape 26.2-miles later.
“Our 2018 course will now have a city centre start in the heart of Stirling to create an even better atmosphere as the marathon begins, and an even faster and flatter course route will help the miles fly by through the stunning surroundings of Doune, Dunblane and Bridge of Allan.”
The 2018 event was launched at the Stirling Court Hotel last week – with MSP Bruce Crawford, Stirling Council leader Scott Farmer and athlete Derek Hawkins, who competed in the marathon at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Great Run Company chief executive Paul Foster said:“We were delighted with the response to the first ever Stirling Scottish Marathon and excited to return to the heart of Scotland next year with an improved course.
“This event managed to capture the imagination of the running community in Scotland and we’re looking forward to next year’s marathon.”
Entries are now open. To sign up go to greatrun.org/ stirling.