Stirling Scottish Marathon 2017

Last Sunday, around 6,500 runners descended upon Blair Drummond Safari Park for the start of the inaugural Stirling Scottish Marathon.  The route started in the safari park, and then took you through Doune, Dunblane, Bridge of Allan and Stirling University all before the half way mark.  From there you headed past the Wallace Monument to the final looped section around the city centre.  The loop went through the city centre, past King’s Knot, along to the Stirling Bridge and back through Riverside before finishing under Stirling Castle.

Last Sunday, around 6,500 runners descended upon Blair Drummond Safari Park for the start of the inaugural Stirling Scottish Marathon.  The route started in the safari park, and then took you through Doune, Dunblane, Bridge of Allan and Stirling University all before the half way mark.  From there you headed past the Wallace Monument to the final looped section around the city centre.  The loop went through the city centre, past King’s Knot, along to the Stirling Bridge and back through Riverside before finishing under Stirling Castle.

Despite some heavy showers the support throughout the course was fantastic.  The streets through Doune and Dunblane were lined the whole way, and it felt like the whole town was out to cheer everyone on.  Then, just when you needed the support most, in the final few miles, the crowds lined the streets through Stirling city centre.  The level of support can make or break an event, especially in its first edition, so it was great to see so many people out on the course, with their homemade banners and boxes of Haribo and Jelly Babies.

A couple of us from You Can Sport took part alongside one of our coached athletes, Ross.  Ross ran an impressive 8 minute PB, achieving a Good for Age time in the process.  When we spoke to Ross afterwards he said he was "over the moon" with his time on a tougher course to his previous best time.  This comes after months of hard work as he trains towards his A-race, Ironman UK, in July.

Ross Crombie – 3:11:01 – 148th
Craig Coull – 3:24:05 – 316th
Gregg Coull – 4:38:01 – 2851st
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Graham also, as part of his role as coach for Stirling Tri Club, helped four others achieve personal best times after following a training plan adjusted to individuals work/life balance.

“Thank you very much for all the guidance and assistance, everything you talked about was truly taken into account today.  it all allowed me to finish in 3:56.  I am truly delighted and sincerely couldn't have done that without your coaching.”

Andrew Lemoncello was 1st overall in a time of 2:25:01, with Lesley Pirie 1st female in 2:47:36.

There are some areas that organisers will no doubt look to improve for next year, but expect to see this become a staple in the Scottish running calendar.
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If you are looking to maximise your time with personalised training plans to work towards your goals, be it a 5k fun run or an ultramarathon, then let our coaches help.  Contact us to let us know your goal and we will help you achieve it – we know You Can!