Swindon Lives: Doug Imrie - Half Marathon Special

This Half Marathon Swindon Lives special focuses on a Coaching Coordinator for Swindon Borough Council, Doug Imrie.

How many times have you run the Swindon Half Marathon?

I’ve actually ran the course well over 20 times, but as yet am still to run it on Race day due to being a Sector Marshal for the team that organise the event. It’s great to see the numbers increasing year on year and the spirit of every runner at every level of ability enjoying the day.

What’s your Swindon Half PB and what time are you going for this year?

My Half Marathon PB is 1hr 36mins, but this was achieved in Reading due to not officially running Swindon…Yet!!

Which Olympic athlete has inspired you the most?

Linford Christie, he was the person everyone looked up to when I was at school and continues to use his experience and success to encourage youths to engage in Athletics.

Are there any other sporting hobbies you enjoy in your spare time?

Golf and Cycling are my other hobbies as well as generally staying fit.

What advice would you give to other people training for a half marathon?

Train hard before the day so that you’re not struggling, this will help you enjoy the atmosphere. Set yourself an achievable goal!!

How many days a week do you train?

I’m training 4/5 times on a good week at the moment as I have the Highworth Triathlon to get around before the Swindon Half Marathon.

Do you run with any local running/fitness clubs?

I’m currently running with Highworth Running Club at their track sessions (County Ground Athletics Track) on a Monday evening which have helped me step up from half marathon to a full marathon. The coaches and range of running abilities at the club are a massive help as they encourage and push you to develop at your own pace.

Where’s your favorite place to run in and around Swindon?

I normally start and finish a run on the old Railway line between John Lewis and Old Town. No traffic and it’s downhill on the way home.

How will you celebrate completing the Swindon Half Marathon?

Well I’ll be celebrating the success of the day rather than the success of completing the run, but I’m sure a cheeky pint and dinner somewhere will be the order of the afternoon.