CALLUM HAWKINS plans to take in the sights of the Big Apple tomorrow when he makes his debut in the United Airlines New York half-marathon, but the world championship hopeful insists his focus is on adding another impressive showing to his CV.
The 24-year-old, who lowered the Scottish record over the distance to exactly 60 minutes when winning in Japan six weeks ago, is ranked second in the field behind Ethiopian Olympic silver medallist Feyisa Lilesa with a clutch of leading Americans also in contention.
It will mark the start of a five-week Stateside spell for Hawkins who will head onward to the mountains of Colorado to work under his coach Steve Jones – who stills holds the UK marathon record – with plans to take on a track 10,000m in California before hitting the roads on a route towards contending for a medal in London in August.
And the Kilbarchan prospect believes New York can move his preparations into a higher gear.
”I’ve only ever been there once before just as a tourist so it’s going to be fun just running through the city,” he said. “But it’s a good field and a good test for me as well in the build-up to London. I wanted a competitive race about this time rather than just training all the way to the summer so I think it will suit me.”
Molly Huddle of the USA heads the women’s field with former Great Edinburgh International winner Fionnuala McCormack of Ireland heading the European contingent.
Meanwhile Libby Clegg insists her path to glory at July’s IPC world championships in London won’t be knocked off track by an injury to guide runner Chris Clarke. The Scot, who took double Paralympic gold in Rio, has been forced to draft in sprinter Caleb Downes for next week’s season-opening Grand Prix in Dubai after Clarke ruptured his Achilles.
But she said: “I’m not worried about Chris. I am fully expecting to compete with him at the world championships in London. I’m just going to be running with a back-up guide to make sure my fitness levels are at the right place. Chris is phenomenal so he’ll just bounce back.”
Meanwhile, Scotland international Jo Zakrzewski has been included in a 10-strong British team for June’s IAU world trail championships in Badia.
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