The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Monster effort by Greig for Loch Ness
Athletics: Kyle determined to produce mighty marathon
Kyle Greig hopes the confidence gained from an excellent performance in the recent world trail running championships will spur him on to more success in the Baxters Loch Ness marathon this year.
The Aberdeenshire-based athlete is focusing on the popular Highland race as his next big target but anyone keen to join him will need to act swiftly as the clock is ticking down towards deadline at midnight on Saturday for guaranteed places to be secured in the run.
After that date, entries for the September 24 race will be available only for overseas runners, Scottishathletics members, members of affiliated UK running clubs, overseas runners, and through official charity Macmillan Cancer Care and other affiliate charities.
Greig made his Great Britain debut in the world 50km trail running event at Bada Prataglia in Italy this month when he led the national team home by finishing a very creditable 26th from 239 competitors.
The Metro Aberdeen club member surpassed his own expectations and believes he can now produce another top-level performance in the Baxters Loch Ness marathon. Greig finished third at Loch Ness last year behind Altrincham’s Mohammed Abu-Rezeq and Edinburgh’s Patryk Gierjatowicz in 2hr 26min 22sec but is aiming for an improvement this September.
He said: “I was delighted with my performance in Italy. I don’t think it could have been any better. My race strategy on the day was good.
“Now I’m aiming for a good performance at Loch Ness. If my training goes well over the summer I’d expect to run quicker than I did last year. I like the course, probably because my hill running background means I’m not bothered by the climbs in the later stages. I also know the route, having run it last year.
“It’s a fast course, the views along the way are breathtaking, the organisation is great and there’s a tremendous atmosphere surrounding the event” Race director Malcolm Sutherland is delighted that athletes of Greig’s calibre are planning to compete in the Highlands.
He said: “We have always been able to attract good runners from across the country and further afield and I am delighted that Kyle, a Great Britain international, is keen to return to Loch Ness. But we treat all our runners the same way, whether they are international class or complete beginners. They all receive a warm Highland welcome.”
The Loch Ness marathon is the premier event on the race day programme but the festival also includes other attractive runs catering for a wide range of ages and levels of experience.
Guaranteed entry for the marathon is available until Saturday, with charity, club and overseas places available until September
“I’m aiming for a good performance at Loch Ness”
4. The marathon is open to runners aged 18 and over on the day of race. This event is not suitable for wheelchair entrants.
Guaranteed entry for the Baxters River Ness 10km and 10km Corporate Challenge are open until September 4 with limited race weekend entries to the River Ness 5km and Wee Nessie run only. Full details at www.lochnessmarathon.com