Inspiring Moray to run means more to Kenny
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HE may have represented Scotland at a range of distances, but Kenny Wilson is happier just inspiring Moray people to go out and run.
Now part of Scottish Athletics’ new marathon project aiming to produce long distance runners for the future, Wilson (29) made a successful 26-mile debut in Frankfurt last month.
Marathon running has been hitting the headlines this year, with Kenyan runner Eliud Kipchoge becoming the first man in history to break the two-hour barrier in Vienna.
Wilson has been thrilled by messages of support from his home area as a reaction to his step-up to the longer distance, and said the greatest buzz of all is knowing people have been inspired by his story.
His Frankfurt marathon was not an international appearance but Wilson has run for Scotland at 10k, half marathon and cross-country distances in the past two years.
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“It’s great for me just representing the area when I run for Scotland,” he said. “Hopefully it gives everyone in Moray a wee buzz.
“At the end of the day I’m just a local club runner so to get these opportunities is just great.
“It was awesome the amount of messages I got. It’s just as good as doing well for yourself if you can motivate others to go out there, especially the juniors.
“It is great to see them when they are successful or just improving all the time. Maybe what I do shows that doors can open for you in the north as well.
Wilson clocked 2:22.39 on his marathon debut in Germany, right on schedule with his coaching team at Moray Road Runners, George and Carol Sim.
He hopes his place on the national marathon project, led by Robert Hawkins, the father of Scottish Olympians Callum and Derek, can bring his performances to a new level.
“I got put on the project with around eight guys and ten ladies aiming to improve the standard of marathon in Scotland.
“We get to use a bit of funding there and some advice and testing which can help us in the future marathons so we can look to use that over the next six months and see what we can build on.
“It’s an event everyone gets excited about and looks forward to.
The Craigellachie-based runner clocks up more miles on foot than many people drive in a week.
“For this block we were doing roughly 80 to 90 miles a week.
“We were averaging that for 15, maybe a 20-week block. I’m just trying to keep the miles in and the speed as well.
“It doesn’t feel too bad split over seven days. I enjoy it so that is the main thing.”
