Pair on the run with legend Liz
Sports star will coach Erica and Kevin
Two first-time marathon runners from the Stirling area will be coached by Scottish sporting legend Liz McColgan in the lead up to Stirling’s 26.2-mile event in April.
Erica Gilchrist from Stirling and Kevin Devine from Dunblane are part of a four-strong team who will be guided towards their first ever marathon by the running legend – who won gold at Commonwealth Games and World Championships in addition to Olympic silver during a successful career.
They have been supplied with an exclusive marathon training programme designed by Ms McColgan, and will also be receiving motivational support throughout their preparations.
They will also receive entry into the Simplyhealth Great Winter Run this Saturday (January 13) which will act as a training event for the marathon. Here, they will get the chance to meet Liz and take part in a question and answer session.
The Observer reported last month that Glasgow man Steven Smyth, who is running in aid of Help for Heroes, would also be among those being coached by the ex-trackstar.
Erica (39) decided to sign-up for the event after seeing one of her sporting heroes take on the inaugural Stirling Scottish Marathon last May.
She said: “I watched Liz cross the finish line and felt inspired by all she has achieved.
“I have been increasing my distance lately and often struggle with my ‘inner chimp’ and with stepping out of my comfort zone. I feel I can trust Liz ’s advice as she is an expert and will definitely give me the kick up the backside which I need to become more confident in my running ability.
“I live in Stirling and was amazed by the runners I saw last year during the first marathon.
“When I am out running I often run past the location of last year’s finish line and pretend that I am finishing the marathon.
“I am so excited to think that in April I really will be finishing the marathon – and I am looking forward to running through the beautiful countryside on the way.”
Kevin (26) admits he never had any plans to run a marathon until recently.
He said: “I was a smoker for almost nine years and stopped two years ago. Even then, fitness was never on my todo list. I would always take the car to very manageable walking distances. Being honest walking or running was never my thing.
“I started running this year not long after the Stirling Scottish Marathon, after joking with some friends that we should run it in 2018.
“After messing about for a few weeks we decided to run a half marathon then signed up for the marathon.”
He added: “I applied to be coached by Liz because, although running the half marathon gave me a real buzz and I enjoyed the run, I feel my training could have been better planned as it was very sporadic and I was always unsure if I was running enough or too much.
“I feel that although the training I did for the half marathon got me through it, I don’t think the same training would get me through Stirling, and who else is better to help than Liz.”
In addition to the traditional marathon event there will be a half marathon distance and family events when runners come to town on Sunday, April 29.
Entries are open. For more information visit greatrun.org/ Stirling.