Running showcase is a winner
Thousands of people descended on Stirling for an outstanding day of sporting action which combined world-class athletics and mass participation running events.
Spectators lined the route, which threaded its way through Kings Park and Stirling Golf Club, to cheer on some of the top runners from Great Britain and N.I., Europe and USA as they crossed swords in the Simplyhealth Stirling Great XCountry.
Staged in Stirling for the first time – after being held in Edinburgh for a number of years – the international event was screened live on BBC One with athletics legends Steve Cram and Paula Radcliffe in the commentary box.
They described the action in the individual men’s and women’s events, and the mixed relay, in which teams compete for the coveted Stewart Cup.
Although Europe came out on top in the competition, there was home delight in the relay race as Scottish star Laura Muir crossed the finishing line first to huge cheers.
Throughout the day, 1,600 participants tackled the inaugural sevenkilometre Great Stirling Castle Run.
Sold out before the end of December, the challenge, starting and ending in Kings Park, saw runners of all abilities tackle a scenic multi-terrain course.
After crossing the finishing line, many participants and their supporters stayed on to watch the other races or spend time in the city centre, adding to the tremendous atmosphere.
Families and young people also took the opportunity to get involved in physical activity through a mini cross country challenge run by Active Stirling in the events village.
Some of the best Scottish running talent was also on show in the senior and junior men’s and women’s Scottish Inter District races.
Stirling Council leader, Scott Farmer said: “This superb sporting spectacle was a wonderful way for Stirling to start 2019 and another success story for the city.
“There was a brilliant buzz around the course as people turned out in fantastic numbers to watch world-class athletes in action and to take on exciting running challenges.
“Not only did we successfully stage another high-profile event and showcase our city to a worldwide TV audience, we ensured that residents and visitors had the opportunity to get active as part of our drive to improve health and wellbeing.
“Congratulations to all the participants and they should be very proud of their achievements.”
Tory councillor for Stirling East Bryan Flannagan, who is in training for the Stirling marathon on April 28, took part in the castle run.
His verdict: “Extremely enjoyable but a few of the hills were a killer on the thighs.”
•Turn to page 55 of today’s Observer for our report and photos on the elite races.