Espie to leave it late over decision to race

James Espie (Deeside Runners) will make a late decision over whether or not to defend his title in tomorrow’s Kinord 10k at Dinnet.

The Scotland hill running international has returned from a successful spell of racing in Europe where he secured 21st position in the mountain running world cup series.

Espie’s winning time of 36min 17sec last year was just 14 seconds outside the course record set by Metro Aberdeen’s Kyle Greig in 2015. Greig isn’t competing this weekend but his clubmate Hamish Battle is in fine form at the moment and should be challenging for top spot.

The Robert Gordon University physiotherapy student won the Bennachie hill race at the start of the month and last weekend set a personal best time of 31:54 when finishing third in the Aviemore 10km.

Great Aberdeen Run 10km champion Ginie Barrand is favourite to win the women’s race and will be aiming to challenge the course record of 40:21 set by Garioch’s Tammy Wilson in 2015.

The Metro Aberdeen club member, who showed impressive form earlier in the month in winning the Brighton 10-mile road race with a personal best time of 60:17, was first at Kinord two years ago when she recorded 41:30.

Despite struggling with a calf injury that has curtailed her training, Barrand remains hopeful of producing a top-level performance. Other contenders include Sara Henry (Deeside Runners), who was third last year and runnerup in 2016, and Marie Baxter, who has been showing good form in half marathons recently.