The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Scaling Balmoral peak next on the horizon for Simpson
Athletics: Austria-basedmountain king Robbie keen on 2015 homecoming
Leading British mountain runner Robbie Simpson has given the 2015 Balmoral races a major boost by saying he is keen to return from his currenthome in Austria to take part.
Entries for the popular Deeside meeting, which takes place over the weekend of April 25 and 26, opened yesterday and places in the programme of eight races are expected to be snapped up very quickly.
Simpson’s record of success at Balmoral is unrivalled with victories in six races over the past eight years.
The 22-year-old holds the course records for the Stena Drilling Tartan 10km and the Glacier Energy 15-mile trail race.
Simpson, whose family home is at Finzean on Deeside, moved to Austria in June to further his mountain running ambitions andplans to stay there until next summer at least.
He said: “I would like to do Balmoral again next year if I can. Apparently April isn’t a great month here in Austria as the snow is melting and refreezing and it can be difficult to train properly so I’m thinking about coming home for a few weeks and fitting in Balmoral.”
The Balmoral meeting, which is expected to attract more than 5,000 participants of all ages, is now in its 18th year and the organisers have announced new initiatives for 2015.
Chairman James Knowles said: “RunBalmoral is always a superb weekend and this year we are looking forward to it being even more varied and interesting.
“The racing will get underway on the Saturday with the MPH Primary Schools 1.5km, with separate races for girlsandboys. That’s followed by the Kongsberg Maritime secondary schools 2.5km.
“Adults then get their
“We are looking forward to it being even more varied and interesting”
chance to shine in the ConocoPhillips 5km and the Stena Drilling Tartan 10km. The 5km and 10km incorporate the Stena Drilling- ConocoPhillips Corporate Challenge in which teams compete for the antler and elm trophy.
“Apollo Offshore Engineering will be backing a new duathlon on the Sunday in which competitors will test their running and mountain biking skills over a 30km course.
“Glacier Energy will sponsor our 15-mile trail race held over a stunning course which takes in some of the most scenic parts of the estate.
“T h e Sunday pr ogramme is completed by the Wee Trail race held over a three mile course designed very much for beginners and younger athletes.”
Knowles also highlighted anewRunBalmoral project and said: “We are keen to look at newways of supporting local community groups and this year we will be introducing a sports bursary award.
“Local schools and other youth or community organisations will be invited to bid for the award, full details of which will be announced in due course.
“This is a completely new project and is one I am looking forward to being involved with.”