Trail Running Star Sets Sights on Baxters Loch Ness Marathon Success

Runners urged to sign up before 1st July to avoid disappointment

Kyle Greig, right, hopes the confidence gained from an excellent performance in the recent world trail running championships will spur him on to more success in the Baxters Loch Ness marathon later this year.

The Aberdeenshire-based athlete is focussing on the popular Highland race as his next big target but anyone keen  to join him will need to act swiftly as the clock is ticking down towards the midnight 1^st July deadline for guaranteed places to be secured in the run.

After that date, entries for the 24^th September race will be available only for overseas runners, Scottishathletics members, members of affiliated UK running clubs, overseas runners, and through official charity Macmillan Cancer Care and other affiliate charities.

Greig made his Great Britain debut in the world 50km trail running event at Bada Prataglia in Italy earlier this month when he led the national team home by finishing a very creditable 26^th from 239 competitors.

The Metro Aberdeen club member surpassed his own expectations and believes he can now produce another top level performance in the Baxters Loch Ness marathon.

Greig finished third at Loch Ness last year behind Altrincham’s Mohammed Abu-Rezeq and Edinburgh’s Patryk Gierjatowicz in 2hr 26min 22secs, but is aiming for an improvement this September.

He said: “I was totally delighted with my performance in Italy. I don’t think it could have been any better. My preparations went well and my race strategy on the day was good.

“Now I’m aiming for a good performance at Loch Ness. It’s my fiance’s hen weekend so I’ll have to be out of the house in any case. Seriously, I’m looking forward to it. If my training goes well over the summer I’d expect to run quicker than I did last year. I like the course, probably because my hill running background means I’m not bothered by the climbs in the later stages of the run. I also know the route, having run it last year, so I will be better prepared. It’s always very competitive at the front as well, which is good

“Overall, I think it’s a fast course, the views along the way are breathtaking, the organisation is great and there’s a tremendous atmosphere surrounding the event.

“I really enjoyed the bus journey out to the start last time as everyone was chatting and getting excited about the race and there’s just such a good feel about it.”

Race Director Malcolm Sutherland is delighted that athletes of Greig’s calibre are planning to compete in the Highlands.

He said: “We have always been able to attract good runners from across the country and further afield and I am delighted that Kyle, a Great Britain international, is keen to return to Loch Ness. But we treat all our runners the same way, whether they are international class or complete beginners. They all receive a warm Highland welcome.”

The Baxters Loch Ness marathon is the premier event on the race day programme but the festival also includes other attractive runs catering for a wide range of ages and levels of experience.

Sutherland added: “We try to offer something for everyone in the running community. In addition to the marathon we have the Baxters River Ness 10Km, including a Corporate Challenge for teams, the Baxters River Ness 5Km fun run, and the Wee Nessie children’s run.

“In addition to the thousands of runners who take part, there’s also a huge number of people who turn out to watch the races, particularly at the finish in Bught Park where the Event Village is located. As usual there will be plenty of activities at the Village to keep everyone entertained.”

Guaranteed entry for the marathon is available until 1 July, with charity, club and overseas places available until 4th September 2017.The marathon is open to runners aged 18 and over on day of race.  This event is not suitable for wheelchair entrants.

Guaranteed entry for the Baxters River Ness 10km and 10km Corporate Challenge are open until 4^th September 2016 with limited race weekend entries to the River Ness 5km and Wee Nessie run ONLY.

Full details at www.lochnessmarathon.com