Partridge there to be shot at in Great Scottish Run

Olympic curlers: Greg Drummond, David Murdoch, Scott Andrews and Michael Goodfellow with Susan Partridge. Picture: Hemedia

The Scot, who was ninth in the marathon at the world championships, will try to repeat her victory in Glasgow on Sunday 5 October.

But, with a larger overseas contingent expected to competge, it could take an even quicker performance.

“If it’s a tougher field, then great,” Partridge said. “You always want to test yourself. Last year, I felt I needed to push myself because I’d just come back from Moscow [the world championships]. There was more focus on me and a little extra pressure. Plus it felt like a big event with all the crowds and it being a just year out from the Commonwealth Games. It pushed me to perform.

“Last year was particularly special for me and I was thrilled to be the first female finisher alongside the legendary Haile Gebrselassie who clinched the men’s title. I’m excited to come back this year to defend my position and can’t wait to see all the runners out in force along Glasgow’s streets.”

Partridge joined the the Olympic-medal winning Great Britain men’s curling team for the launch of the run at Glasgow Green yesterday.

It has been confirmed the race will be screened by the BBC with organisers adjusting last year’s route to achieve a faster course.

Starting in George Square, the run sees some of the world’s best known athletes and tens of thousands of club, charity and fun runners face a route passing six Commonwealth Games venues before going under the McLennan Arch to enter Glasgow Green and reach the tree-lined finish straight in the shadow of Nelson’s Monument.

Andy Mitchelmore of organisers Nova International said: “Last year was record breaking in terms of numbers with almost 30,000 participants. Given the Bank of Scotland Great Scottish Run will be the first mass participation running event after the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, I am confident we will see another fantastic turnout.”