It’s not quite Coe v Ovett, but two determined athletes will vie to set a new world record at this weekend’s Inverness half marathon.
For two charity bosses will go head-to-head to set a new world record for the distance – by a charity mascot.
The epic duel will take place between Bobby the Bee, otherwise known as Highland Hospice chief executive Kenny Steele, and Harvey the Heart, AKA Frank Gilroy from the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospital in Glasgow.
But Mr Steele faces strong competition on his home patch as Mr Gilroy already holds the world record for the fastest marathon by a mascot, at 3h 51 min.
Mr Steele, 47, runs for Inerness Harriers and currently has a half marathon personal best of just under 1hr 23min.
Mr Gilroy, 51, is a member of the Bellahouston Harriers running club and has already achieved an unofficial time of 1hr 39min for 13.1 miles dressed in his charity ensemble.
He claims that this would beat the official world record time of 1hr 46min recorded by Jefferson the Dog in 2011 during a half marathon in Toronto.
This year’s half marathon will host a record 2,475 entrants, who will follow the roads along River Ness and to the south of the city centre before returning to finish on the track at Queen’s Park stadium.
All money raised by Mr Steele and his team of Highland Hospice runners will go towards the £1.9 million needed to rebuild the inpatient unit at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.
Mr Steele said: “This late challenge has taken the race to a whole new level for me. Bobby may look cute and cuddly but he will be showing Harvey that, when it comes to running, he has a real sting in his tail.
“With the support of the people of Inverness behind me, I am sure that Harvey will buzz off back home defeated. I hope that our own little battle will add something to the atmosphere of the day, not least help to highlight the great work being done by both organisations.”
Mr Gilroy said: “Bobby may have the home advantage but I will have him in my sights. I am going into the race with one simple strategy – to beat Bobby the Bee.”