Haining fit for Great North Run

Jun 26 2009 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

KILBARCHAN Athletic Club’s distance runner Hayley Haining has declared herself fit and ready for action when the Bupa Great North 10k gets under way in Sunderland.

The 37-year-old is building back up to full fitness after overcoming a foot injury and is the latest high-profile star to confirm her participation the event, staged on Sunday, July 12.

Habbie’ Haining has been a regular competitor at Great Run events but this will be her first appearance on Wearside as the Sunderland race’s reputation continues to grow.

Hayley marked her return to competitive running with a high finish during the Womens 10k Road race in Glasgow, back in May.

It was her first competitive outing since the New York Marathon last November, coming home first Brit and fifth overall, in a time of 33mins 31secs.

But the talented athlete will no doubt be eager to improve on that time come July.

“It’s great to see Hayley has found time to compete in the race, as I know she’s had a few injury problems this year,” said Peter Riley, the meeting’s elite athletes manager.

“I understand that after competing in Glasgow on May 10, she got stuck into some hard training, but had another setback when the arch of her left foot collapsed a couple of weeks ago.

“But she’s back running again and, if everything goes according to plan, will lead the British challenge for a victory in Sunderland next month.”

Haining, who was a reserve for Paula Radcliffe for last year’s Olympic marathon in Beijing, combines her athletics career with a job as a veterinary surgeon in Glasgow.

She first rose to national prominence when she won the British Schools Cross Country Championship in 1985 and has been one of Britain’s most consistent distance runners for 20 years.

Haining will line up in the mixed race, which also includes world marathon champion Luke Kibet and Eritrea’s Yared Asmeron.

The inaugural Bupa Great North 10k is held over an exciting new city centre route starting and finishing at Sunderland AFC’s Stadium of Light.

According to race organisers the event is held over a flat 10k course, giving elite athletes a great chance of a personal best time.