Mhairi runs like dream on debut in London
MHAIRI MACLENNAN admits she’ l l ful f i l a childhood dream when she makes a long- awaited marathon debut in London this morning.
The Inverness ace, 29, has finally opted to move up to 26 miles after her international exploits in c r o s s - c o u n t r y and consistent track form.
It has been daunting training in Edinburgh while her coach Ross Cairns has offered guidance remotely from the Highlands.
And Maclennan, who won her lone build-up race at last month’s Inverness Half-Marathon, insists she has to respect the challenge offered by the distance.
She said: “It’s the longest race I’ve ever prepared for and it’s also a bit of a mystical distance, isn’t it?
“The origins of running stem from the marathon, as far back as the ancient Olympics. And when I was growing up, I’m part of the first generation that was able to look at women during the marathon and aspire to it.
“It was always something I wanted to do. I definitely looked up to Paula Radcliffe. I remember watching her do London.”
World record holder Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia will attempt to break the best of 2:17:01 in a TCS London Marathon field that contains three of the four fastest females in history. TENNIS Former Wimbledon champion Garbi n e Muguruza has announced her retirement.
The 30- year- old is a two- time Grand Slam winner after taking the French Open in 2016 and Wimbledon a year later.
The Spaniard said: “It has been a long and beautiful career but it’s time to retire and open up a new episode in my life.”