Inverness runner Jamie Bowie believes the 400metres race is the one to watch at this weekend’s Sainsbury’s British championships after he made steady progress through yesterday’s heats in Birmingham.
The 26-year-old got his competition off to a solid start as he clocked 46.87sec at the Alexander Stadium to take victory in heat five ahead of Nick Petrou, who finished in 47.15.
Bowie was in no rush out of the blocks and looked comfortable throughout as he produced a measured display and the fourth-fastest time of the heat stages.
And Bowie thinks there are plenty of fireworks to come in the 400m as the country’s best runners go head to head in the hunt for a national title.
“It was good to stretch the legs. In the heats it’s always a case of seeing what I need to do to get through to the next round but it was also nice to dust off the cobwebs from the week’s training,” said Bowie, speaking at the event, a partnership with British Athletics that builds on Sainsbury’s support for the 2012 Paralympics and recognises that sport can unite and inspire children of all ages.
“It was nice to get a solid run out and I was really happy with how I ran, it was nice and comfortable and relaxed so that’s good.
“I wanted to cross first but it’s the first four who go through, so I didn’t need to do that much, but it’s nice to be first across and put a good marker down.
“In the 400m runners are always at the mercy of the weather but it’s the event to watch and one that everyone is talking about.
“It will be competitive so for me it’s about progressing through the rounds, making the final and then seeing where I can go from there.”
It has been a busy season for Bowie, who raced a full indoor campaign before turning his attentions to the outdoor track.
But, with the world championships on the horizon, he believes the hard work is about to pay dividends as he looks to seal a spot on the team that will head to Beijing.
He said: “Preparation has been good. Summer hasn’t quite reached Scotland yet so we are still wearing the winter jackets now and again. I delayed opening up a bit this season because hopefully it’s going to be a long season and I don’t want to be hitting the best times early.
“I want a lot out of the summer season so it’s important to put the work in.”
Sainsbury’s is a proud partner of British Athletics. The partnership reflects Sainsbury’s wider commitment to inspiring healthy lifestyles for all, and complements grassroots campaigns such as Active Kids and the Sainsbury’s School Games.
For more information go to: www.sainsburys.co.uk.