Kirkcaldy Paralympian stepping up Rio preparations

Paralympian Derek Rae, from Kirkcaldy, stepped up his preparations for Rio with a second place finish in the Haddington Half Marathon.

By The Newsroom

Published 18th Aug 2016, 15:47 BST

Updated 18th Aug 2016, 17:08 BST

Derek finished in a time 1:13.36, in challenging conditions and over a course that he described as tough.

Coach Ron Morrison was satisfied with the performance of his athlete.

Derek will compete for GB in the marathon in Rio in the T46 class where he is ranked UK number one.

He will be GBs only ambulant marathon runner in Rio.

The Haddington event is one of several races lined up by coach Ron for Derek before he heads off to his first Paralympic Games.

At the Alloa Half Marathon in March this year Derek ran 1:14.32 and in July he ran a personal best for 5000 metres of 16:05.31.

The opening ceremony for the Paralympic Games in Rio is scheduled for Wednesday, September 7.

Derek will run his marathon on the morning of the closing ceremony on Sunday, September 18.