Hard work is reflected in results for 15-year-old Caithness runner
Caithness runner Billy Sutherland has said all the hours spent training and travelling have “definitely been worth it” after an encouraging start to the season.
The 15-year-old from Latheronwheel, a member of Ross County Athletics Club, earned his second Scotland selection to compete in the London Mini Marathon in April at the U15 level.
Out of a highly competitive field of 340 athletes from across Britain, Billy had a tough start, getting caught up early in the pack. However, he delivered an exceptional recovery, navigating the short course impressively to finish ninth overall and second for Scotland.
This past weekend, Billy competed in the Broughton Hill Race which also served as a selection race for the International Youth Cup in Bratislava, Slovakia. Racing in the U17 category but also against U20 athletes, Billy placed second in U17 and fourth overall.
In two weeks, Billy will race the 5k as part of the Edinburgh Marathon Festival weekend. Then in June he’ll compete at the Scottish Championship Hill Race in Eildon at U17 level, where he will be a strong contender.
Billy said: “It has been a very busy season, but all the training and countless hours of travelling have definitely been worth it.
“London was a fantastic experience – I met so many new athletes and was really well supported by the Scottish Athletics coaches.
“I’m really happy with my recent performance at the Broughton Hill Race.
“I’m very dedicated to my training, so it’s great to see that hard work reflected in my results. I’d like to thank my coach Sophie Dunnett, my family and friends for their continued support, and also the Duncraig Educational Trust and the Lybster and Tannach Fund for the funding that helped make it possible for me to compete at these events.”
Coach Sophie said: “Billy has transitioned out of the winter cross-country session and has had two excellent early-season road and hill results.
“Following Billy’s selection for the London Mini Marathon, he executed the race with maturity beyond his level of experience. This is an extremely challenging race due to the volume of runners racing over a short distance and Billy’s performance was beyond expectations.
“The Broughton Hill Race formed the selection race for the International Youth Cup in Slovakia and following an impressive fourth-place finish – second in U17 – Billy has put himself in the mix to be considered for the uphill only race next month.”