Hoy's helping hand boosts half marathon

THE STAR attraction of Sunday's fourth Edinburgh Half Marathon is not a distance runner and won't be competing in the race, but there are few bigger names in Scottish or British sport than the city's own Sir Chris Hoy.

The triple Olympic cycling champion has given his name to the event and promises to be typically generous with his time as a meeter and greeter on race day.

"He's driving up specially from Manchester on Sunday morning, then driving back later on," explained event organiser John Martindale last night.

"As Chris himself says, a lot of cyclists run and a lot of runners cycle, so the two sports co-exist together."

Leith, Portobello, Musselburgh Golf Club and Prestonpans are other major landmarks on the 13-mile route along the coast before the traditional "grandstand finish" at Musselburgh Racecourse.

Picking a likely winner from the 3500 entries would tax the sport of kings' shrewdest punters, although Toni McIntosh and Dave Simpson look to be the form runners in this race.

McIntosh competes for Ayr Seaforth and Stirling University and was first lady home at last weekend's Round the Houses 10km race in Grangemouth in 35 minutes 17 seconds.