Games contender laid low for Stonehaven

Commonwealth Games hopeful Paul Arcari has pulled out of this weekend's Stonehaven half marathon.

It is disappointing news for the organisers as the classy Stirling-based runner was favourite to win tomorrow’s race which has attracted a pre-entry of more than 290 runners.

Arcari clocked the fastest time in Scotland this year when winning the RAF Kinloss to Lossiemouth half marathon in 66min 32sec back in February.

Health problems have curtailed his progress since then and although he's now on the road to recovery he doesn't want to take any chances just yet. He said: “I was looking forward to running at Stonehaven but I'm just recovering from a virus which laid me low for a long time.”

Arcari's absence may leave the door open for Scott Neyedli to retain his men's title. The Aberdeen-based professional triathlete is planning to use the race as part of his preparations for next moth's European long-distance triathlon championships in Prague.

Neyedli's Metro Aberdeen clubmate Niku Millott should also be among the challengers for top spot.

Millott, the Moray marathon champion, has now recovered from competing in the Lochaber, Lake Windermere and Edinburgh marathons during a hectic few weeks of action between late April and late May.

He will be aiming to improve on his best time of 75:37 set at the Inverness half marathon in March.

Balmoral 5k winner Pamela Tosh (Aberdeen AAC) should be a strong contender for the women's title.

The 10k specialist is stepping up in distance as she is aiming for the Loch Ness marathon later this year.

Midmar's Alasdair Thomas is the defending champion in Saturday's Corrieyairack Challenge duathlon between Fort Augustus and Kincraig.