Going the extra mile: Kira and Alice helping our sport . . . and each other

Wednesday 4th November 2026

By Eilidh Miller

For Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week, we caught up with Corstorphine AAC’s Alice and Kira Mourao to hear how athletics has brought them together, both on and off the track.

A mother-daughter duo with a shared passion for the sport, Alice and Kira have each found their own place within athletics.

Alice, currently studying at the University of Bath and competing at a higher level, and mum Kira, a familiar face on the cross country circuit as a recreational runner, may approach competition differently, but their love of the sport is something they share.

Their involvement extends far beyond competing, too. Both Alice and Kira play several roles within the sport as athletes, coaches, Officials and club committee members, demonstrating the many ways women contribute to and strengthen the athletics community in Scotland.

For Alice, her mum is a constant source of inspiration and support.

‘I think my mum is definitely my biggest idol in the sport,’ Alice explained.

One of their favourite traditions is sitting together in the car before a race, discussing the course, tactics and how they each plan to approach the day ahead.

‘When mum and I go to races together we sit in the car before and share how we will both go through the race, discuss tactics and the course. Having her support is the most amazing thing ever.’

For Kira, taking part in the same events as Alice has offered a unique perspective on what her daughter experiences as a competitive athlete. By getting out on the course herself, she has gained a greater understanding of the challenges Alice faces, particularly at cross country events.

‘One of the things that has been great about us both doing the same races is that by me also participating, I have learned to understand what it’s like for her to be soaking wet and covered in mud,’ said Kira, also a scottishathletics qualified Official.

‘I know where on the course to stand to cheer her on, because that’s where the toughest section is when you need a boost from a friendly face.’

It is this shared experience that makes their relationship within the sport so special. Kira knows first-hand just how much encouragement from the sidelines can mean, and Alice loves having her mum alongside her through the highs and lows of competition.

Alice on her way to Scottish U20 gold over 3000m at GAA Miler Meet, with Fraser Stewart as pacer (photo by Simon Wootton)

Their connection to the sport also extends to the wider athletics community. Alice takes great pride in seeing her mum achieve her own goals and recognises the incredible support she provides to others at Corstorphine AAC.

Kira, meanwhile, particularly values the camaraderie she has found amongst fellow Masters women at the Lindsays Cross Country Season events, where the competitive nature of racing goes hand in hand with friendship and encouragement.

‘There is a real camaraderie and support at the back of the cross country between all the Masters women, all helping each other along and encouraging each other. It is a really important aspect of taking part in races for me.’

One memory that stands out for Kira is seeing Alice cooling down after a cross country race alongside some of the other girls in her age group from different clubs.

Having competed fiercely against each another earlier in the day, they were already sharing conversations and friendships, highlighting the special bonds that athletics can create beyond the finish line.

And while they have shared plenty of race-day experiences already, there is still one ambition they hope to tick off together: lining up for a race as mother and daughter!

Their story is a wonderful example of how athletics can connect generations, create lasting friendships and offer opportunities to get involved in so many aspects of the sport.

Whether competing at the highest level, chasing personal goals, supporting from the sidelines or helping their club thrive, Alice and Kira show that there is a place for everyone in athletics.

This Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week, inspiration can come from those closest to us.

Sometimes, our biggest role model is right there beside us at the start line.