Billy to race for Scotland in Slovakia as international call-up is confirmed
Caithness teenager Billy Sutherland will be racing for Scotland in Slovakia next month after his international call-up was confirmed.
The 15-year-old from Latheronwheel has been included in a four-man squad to compete in the hill-running International Youth Cup at Donovaly on Saturday, June 14, for his second Scotland selection.
The race course covers 5.8km over a climb of 513m, and Billy will be competing alongside at least one of his Ross County Athletics Club team-mates.
That is because clubmate Lachlan Thomas has been named in the squad with him, with Lachlan’s twin Kaeden named as the squad’s reserve.
All three of the teenagers earned their sports as a result of their performances in the Broughton Hill Race.
Lachlan Thomas finished third overall and second in the under-18 category, securing his place in the Scotland team.
Billy was close behind, finishing fourth overall and second in the U17 category.
Both athletes also finished in the top three at this year’s Inverness 5k in March, with Thomas finishing second after winning back-to-back titles in the previous two years and Billy ending up on the podium for the first time.
The duo will compete in Slovakia alongside Ben Hodson from Stewartry Athletics Club and Joel Gillan from Central Athletics Club.
As well as representing Ross County, Billy trains with Sophie Dunnett from PET (Performance Endurance Training) in Thurso.
That partnership has already produced a good level of success in recent times, with Billy earning his place in the London Mini Marathon in April at under-15 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.
Next weekend, Billy will race the 5k as part of the Edinburgh Marathon Festival. Then in June he will compete at the Scottish Championship Hill Race in Eildon at under-17 level.