Granite Mile holds treble chance of more drama

The women’s division of tomorrow’s Union Street mile in Aberdeen offers the prospect of somedramaandexcitement if spectators are treated to a reprise of the 2015 race.

Twelve months ago, veteran Garioch Road Runner Marie Baxter held of a strong challenge from Aberdeen AAC’s junior hill running international Lucy McLeod and Metro Aberdeen’s Kayleigh Jarrett to take the top prize.

Just three seconds separated the trio and they will all be back on the starting line for the fifth edition of the race.

Others could step up to the plate to challenge last year’s podium placers in the popular race which sold out within a fewdays of entries opening. Aberdeen AAC’s Laura Mahady, the 2014 world masters over-55 400metres and 800m indoor champion, is unlikely to run as she does not feel in shape to do herself justice.

Mahady’s clubmate Carly McNeil, the 2013 winner, is also listed but doubts surround her appearance as she is just starting on the road back to full fitness after giving birth a few months ago.

The men’s race appears to be wide open. James Joy (Aberdeen AAC) is not defending the title he won in fine style last year.

Teenager Aaron Odentz ( Aberdeen AAC) looks to be among the faster entrants, while ultra-runner Will Stewart steps down considerably from his preferred distances to compete.

There are also races for primary and secondary school pupils, with the action starting at 10.30am with the P6 and P7 race, followed by the S1 and S4 run at 10.40. The senior race is at 10.50.

The Union Street mile was first held in 2011 when former Scottish cross-country champion Robert Russell (Central AC) won the men’s prize in what remains the course record time of 4:14, while Jenny Bannerman (Inverness Harriers) took the women’s award in 5:14. Gemma Cormack (Aberdeen AAC) equalled Bannerman’s women’s record of 5:14 in 2012.