Getting timing right for Games
Sol’s Commonwealth bid
It definitely gives you that extra bit of satisfaction when you break the course record, especially at an event like the Tom Scott Road Races where there is such a rich history
Sol Sweeney
Crieff runner Sol Sweeney has described clocking-up the qualification time to be in contention for this year’s Commonwealth Games as his “number one priority”.
The Perth Strathtay Harrier recently travelled to France to take part in some altitude training in the picturesque Pyrenees.
And he has his sights set on a 5000m spot with Team Scotland at Birmingham 2022, which starts on July 28.
Prior to travelling to France, Sweeney impressed at the Tom Scott Memorial Road Races event.
Competing in the Round the Loch 6k at Strathclyde Park, the clock stopped at 18:14 when the former Crieff High pupil crossed the finish line – a time which was some 23 seconds better off than the previous benchmark.
He finished ahead of John Lenehan of Edinburgh AC and East Sutherland’s Finlay Murray.
Sweeney said: “There was quite a gap between my last indoor race and the first outdoor race so I wanted to keep the familiarity of racing there and get a hard effort in.
“So I was happy with how it went and to get the course record was an added bonus.”
He continued: “I was aware of the record heading in and knew it was possible if I raced well.
“It definitely gives you that extra bit of satisfaction when you break the course record, especially at an event like the Tom Scott Road Races where there is such a rich history.”
The performance on Sunday gives Sweeney a further spring in his step as training ramps up ahead of the summer track season.
Sweeney went on to say: “After the training camp it will almost be time to start the summer track season where I am targeting some fast 5000m races.
“Achieving the qualifying standard of 13: 40 for the Commonwealth Games is my number one priority and hopefully I can make the team for Birmingham.”