FINAL preparations are being made for the Stirling Scottish Marathon as thousands of runners are expected into the city centre for the event’s second year.
Around 6,000 people have signed up for the marathon and brand-new half marathon which take place on Sunday through the heart of Scotland .
Organisers The Great Run Company have unveiled a new route for runners which includes a city centre start and finish, and once again takes in Doune, Dunblane, Bridge of Allan and the University of Stirling with magnificent views of some of Scotland’s most historic locations.
Also new for 2018 will be a picturesque section through the Hillfoots area, where thousands of marathon and half marathon runners will enjoy perfect views of the Ochil Hills as they make their way back into the city centre for a finish alongside the city’s Kings Park.
Team GB Olympic athlete, Derek Hawkins, joined marathon runners today (Friday) at Kings Park to hand out some last-minute preparation advice ahead of the 26.2mile event on Sunday.
Hawkins, who helped launch the event with brother Callum in 2016, is a big supporter of marathon running in Scotland and said: “Distance running is on the rise in Scotland and it is events like this that can only serve to improve the standard going forward.”
The Stirling Scottish Marathon will also play host to the Scottish Marathon Championships on Sunday.
Following two years in which the London Marathon has hosted the Scottish Championships, the Road Running and Cross Country Commission have taken a decision to give Stirling championship status in its second year.
It means medals will be up for grabs for individuals and for teams – runners with a valid scottishathletics membership will be eligible.
Stirling Council leader, Councillor Scott Farmer said: “Hosting our second-ever marathon is a massive moment for the city of Stirling and underlines our commitment to making the area a must-visit destination for sporting events like this.
“Last year was such a success that the event has been awarded Scottish Championship status, resulting in great public interest and even a Hollywood star signing up for this year’s race.
“Whether runners are here to raise money for charity or smash a personal best target, we wish everyone the best of luck in all the races and hope they enjoy tracing their way through the streets of our iconic city.”
One of the big attractions for this year's event is the participation of television and film actor Sam Heughan, who will take time off from his busy schedule to take part in the marathon.
The Outlander star has announced his participation in the 26.2 mile event on Sunday, 29 April, the first of two marathons to be tackled this year to raise money for Marie Curie and Cahonas Scotland as part of his own 'My Peak Challenge' initiative.
The marathon takes in many of the filming locations featured in Outlander including the historic Doune Castle.
Meanwhile, multi-marathon world record holder Steve Edwards will also be taking part in the event this weekend as he continues his bid to run 1,000 marathons before he turns 60.
Steve clocked up his 800th all-time 26.2miles at the Birmingham International Marathon last year and is well on his way to his next milestone.
He said: “I always say it’s a great way to do a bit of sightseeing. We’ve driven through Stirling but never seen the city on foot. It will be fantastic from that point of view.
“I’ve done plenty of Scottish marathons, but Stirling has never had one until 2017 so it’ll be great to get up and do that.”
In addition to the famous faces running the race, four first-time marathon runners have been given the exclusive opportunity to be coached through the marathon by Scottish running legend Liz McColgan.
Liz, through her role as ambassador for the Stirling Scottish Marathon, has been providing guidance to four runners who will be taking on their first-ever marathon.
Four runners were selected from hundreds of applications from those who have signed up for the 26.2-mile. They are Erica Gilchrist, from Stirling, Steven Smyth, from Glasgow, Kevin Devine, from Dunblane, and Barbara Watt, from Edinburgh.
The four have been supplied with an exclusive marathon training programme designed by Liz, and have received motivational support throughout their journey.
The marathon and half marathon form the centrepiece of a top-class weekend of sporting action in Stirling, with Thistles Great Stirling Family Run kicking off the proceedings on Saturday in Kings Park at 10am.
It will be the main attraction of the day that also features live music, sports, food, drink and arts and crafts – where supporters can create banners to display the following day to support the thousands taking on the 13.1 and 26.2-mile events.
Active Stirling will be supporting the come and try it sports, with free tasters of Active athletics, football, golf, hockey, netball, rugby, spin bikes and tennis.
There will also be fencing and cycling tasters available – all for free.
Thistles, Stirling has returned for 2018 as event title sponsor, and Gary Turnbull, Centre Director, is delighted to be associated with the event for a second year.
He said: “Thistles, Stirling is very much looking forward to the Great Stirling Family Run this Saturday. Last year was a resounding success with a fantastic uptake in participation not only by local families, but by many from across the Central Belt too.
“The event is a wonderful opportunity for children to feel involved in the wider activities taking place across the city as well as being a fun, sociable way for families to enjoy exercise together.
"Good luck to everyone taking part, we will be there to cheer you on.”
Provost Christine Simpson and Commonwealth Games medallist Ross Murdoch will get the marathon and half marathon under way on Sunday morning. The 2018 event is the second staging of the mass participation running events organised in partnership with Stirling Council.
For more information about the Stirling Scottish Marathon, visit greatrun.org/Stirling