Hoad could be ready to enter record business

Aberdeen AAC’s James Hoad will start as favourite to win Sunday’s Peterhead 10km and if conditions are favourable the north-eastbased English athlete could test the course record.

David Wright (Hunters Bog Trotters) set the standard in 2004 when he clocked 32min 34secs and that remains the only occasion on which the 33min barrier has been breached during the 16year history of the event.

Hoad has the credentials to do the job as he has a best track time of 30:53 set at the British championships in London earlier in the year, while his best road performance is 31:14. He won the Great Aberdeen half marathon in August.

His Aberdeen AAC teammate Myles Edwards is also contemplating making an appearance after a long spell on the sidelines. The former Scottish 1,500m track champion has a best of 31:52 from last year.

Others who will hope to feature near the front include Fraserburgh’s Keith McIntyre and JS Kintore’s Richard Strachan.

Two previous champions are also in the starting lineup. Alan Reid (Peterhead AC), who won in 2007 and 2008 is joined by Fraserburgh’s Keith Buchan who took top spot in 2016.

The women’s course record of 35:33 set by Nicola Gauld in 2012 could also be threatened by Scotland international Jenny Bannerman who leads a strong Inverness Harriers squad.

Bannerman has a best of 34:52 and has been under 35:30 on three further occasions this year.

Her clubmates Amy Hudson and Catriona Fraser are also expected to be among the leading finishers.

Gauld, who was fourth in last month’s River Ness 10km, is also in the lineup and will be aiming for a podium position.

James Hoad