Scott Stirling really has been the name on everyone’s lips over the past few weeks of intense road racing and the past thrilling months of XC.
Last week we all watched with anticipation the bittersweet moment Scott finished 2nd place at the Pulford 10k with a remarkable time of 28:44 narrowly missing out on European selection, as Scott says “if there’s a right way to fail, that was it”. No failures in our eyes – that was amazing.
Today, Sunday 30th March Scott lined up alongside over 300 road runners on the start line of the 61st Tom Scott Memorial Race at Strathclyde Park.
The Tom Scott Memorial Races are held in memory of the very talented runner Tom Scott who was 29 when he sadly lost his life in a motor traffic accident while travelling to a race. Since 1962 these races have been graced by many fine runners, Scottish Olympians, European Contenders & Commonwealth Gold & Silver Medalists. Law & District AAC are the hosts of this popular race.
Today in clear but windy conditions Scott swiftly took on the 10 mile course, flying over the finish line with a monumental chip time of 48:30 coming out on top and winning top prize of the absolutely tremendous Tom Scott Memorial Trophy while simultaneously gaining the title of Scottish Athletics 10 Mile Champion and the second fastest finish time ever in the 61 year history of the race. Now that’s a successful day I would say.
Along side Scott is, as always, his marvellous coach & biggest cheerleader – John Pentecost, behind every great athlete is a wonderful coach, and I think if ANYONE cheered me as much as John does Scott, I might be winning races too.
Huge well done to Scott & John, dream team. We can’t wait to see where you end up next.
Falkirk Victoria Harriers 