Athletics: McColgan's difficult course

LIZ McCOLGAN will continue to show her versatility by competing in an international 5,000 metres race in Aberdeen five weeks after competing in the NutraSweet London Marathon.

McColgan, fifth nine days ago in the World Cross-Country Championships, heads a world- class field, including her fellow Scot, Yvonne Murray, in the Grampian Festival of road running on 22 May and yesterday dismissed suggestions the London event on 18 April would tire her out.

'I'll have a sensible week after the marathon. Once that's over, I'll start my preparations at altitude in Albuquerque,' she said. McColgan intends flying to the United States 24 hours after the London race. 'It's the first time I will have prepared at altitude. It will be interesting to see what I can produce when I return home to sea level a couple of days before the Aberdeen race.'