Robbie, Rhona are Run Balmoral favourites

Thursday 24th April 2014

Some of Scotland’s top athletes will be among the 5,000 competitors in the Balmoral road races which take place on Saturday and Sunday.

Great Britain internationals Robbie Simpson (Deeside Runners) and Rhona Auckland (Banchory Stonehaven AC), both of whom are from the north east, will be aiming to add to their already impressive list of honours.

Simpson, who has been in great form on the roads this year, will attempt to break his own course record of 31.17secs in the Stena Drilling Tartan 10Km.

The course suits the mountain running specialist as it features a 1.2k uphill stage which tests the strength and resolve of all the competitors.

The 20-year-old Edinburgh University student is coming off an excellent cross country season during which she became the youngest winner of the Scottish senior title and helped Great Britain win U23 team gold medals in European championsips. Rhona was seventh in Belgrade.

Commonwealth Games 1500m hopeful Ali Hay (Central AC) is the best bet to win the men’s 5Km title for the second time in three years.

Aberdeen-based Scotland international Ben Hukins (Ron Hill Cambuslang Harriers) is among the favourites to win the 15-mile trail race.

It is hoped that Portobello’s Ireland Nicola Duncan will also compete, if she has recovered from her outstanding performance in the Virgin London marathon.

Duncan, who is to represent Ireland in this summer’s European championships, recorded a personal best 2.33.28 in London.

Entries have closed for all the Balmoral races except the Wee Trail race which is part of this year’s Jogscotland Challenge Series.

This is held over a spectacular three-mile course within the magnificent grounds of the Castle.

Entries for this event only will be taken on the day.

Run Balmoral Timetable

Saturday 26 April

11am: MPH Primary Schools Boys 1.5Km

11:25am: MPH Primary Schools Girls 1.5Km

11:50am: Kongsberg Secondary Schools 2.5Km

12:30pm: ConocoPhillips 5Km

2pm: Stena Drilling Tartan 10Km

Sunday 27 April

11:00am: Run Balmoral 15 mile trail race

11:15am Run Balmoral Wee Trail Race

Preview by Fraser Clyne

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