Forres runner's world class competition

A FORMER Forres Academy pupil powered his way onto television screens in houses around the country at the weekend.

Mark Mitchell powered his way onto the country's TV screens at the weekend

Mark Mitchell, who still runs with Forres Harriers was taking part in the Aviva Grand Prix in Birmingham on Saturday.

Felliow sportstmen from the town’s running club were full of praise for the young man, who is a graduate of Napier University in Edinburgh.

Mark, who has featured in the ‘Gazettte’ sporting columns many times as a schoolboy runner, and title holder, was on the track for the two mile race.

“He was running in had a world class field,” said a FH spokesperson. “It was great to see him introduced along with runners like Mo Farah.”

In the end the race turned out to be the fastest ever 2 mile indoor race. The winner, Eliud Kipchoge ran the 5th fastest time ever in the world. Also the next three runners ran the 6th, 7th and 8th fastest ever time for the distance.

Mark unfortunately did not finish, but was well up with the leaders earlier in the race.

The race broke records for the first mile completed in 4.04 and the second mile even faster in 4.03.

The 3000 metres was run in 7.37

Among the tributes paid to Mark’s achievements for taking part in the race, was one posted on the Forres Harriers social media site which read: “Well done Mark, Good to see the Red Vest on National Television.”

Mark was also out against a top field the week before, at the Aviva UK Indoor Championships and World Championship Trials which were held in Sheffield on February 11.

In the 3000 metres he ran 7.59.00 to take the Bronze medal, being only beaten in a sprint finish and finishing 0.64 seconds behind the winner, which puts him eighth in the all time Scottish rankings.