Jones will be a threat in Inverness race

Newly crowned Scottish cross-country champion Kristian Jones of Dundee Hawkhill will pose a serious threat to Commonwealth Games athlete Robbie Simpson in tomorrow’s Inverness half marathon.

The Dundee-based Welsh internationalist, who has a best half marathon time of 66:11, is currently preparing for his marathon debut in London next month.

Paralympic athlete Derek Rae, Fife AC, will be looking to improve on his best time of 70:06 set at last year’s Great Scottish Run in Glasgow.

The Kirkcaldy runner is preparing for next month’s London marathon in which he will represent Great Britain in the World Para Athletics Cup hoping to at least match his 2017 bronze medal.

Katie White appears to be favourite to win the women’s race. The Garscube Harrier has a best time of 76:52.

She could, however, face a strong challenge from two-time previous champion Shona McIntosh who recorded 76:45 when winning the Inverness title three years ago.

Megan Crawford, Fife AC, a two-time winner of the Baxters Loch Ness marathon over the past five years, is also expected to be among the front runners, along with Metro Aberdeen’s Jennifer Elvin who clocked a personal best 80:53 when winning last month’s San Francisco half marathon.

Anwen Darlington, Dundee Road Runners, who broke the course record in last month’s Forfar multi-terrain half marathon and won last November’s Glen Clova race, should also be in the reckoning.