If you were ever in doubt about how far Derek Rae from Kirkcaldy and Fife Athletic Club has come since his accident and consequent engagement in Para sport, then the BBC Sport screenshot says it all.
At the recent Vitality Westminster mile and Vitality 10K Derek lined up in the elite start alongside some of the leading international athletes in distance running. Derek was the only Para athlete on the start line. Recognition of a world class athlete who is ranked two on the IPC world rankings list for T46 marathon as a consequence of his memorable run at this year’s Virgin Money London Marathon.
Last Sunday afternoon in London in the Vitality Westminster mile Derek ran 4:40 for a two second PB. On Monday morning Derek ran in the Vitality 10K and finished on the Mall in 31.59 for a PB by 15 seconds. An exceptional run and a performance that more than justified his selection for the elite start and a position alongside great athletes such as Sir Mo Farah.
The Fife Athletic Club athlete loved the occasion and not surprisingly was motivated by the number of occasions he heard his name being called by spectators. Derek described the Vitality 10K as the proudest moment in his career to date. The London Marathon team organised both events and Derek was quick to pay tribute to Michelle Whiteman and the team for all they did to ensure his experience was as expected and more.
Derek is coached by Ron Morrison at Fife AC and has a superb team of experts behind him at the Scottish Institute of Sport. Family and friends are massively important to Derek and of course his wife Susan is a massive influence in his life. Derek never forgets where it all began and it will not be long before he heads back to Kinghorn on June 14th for the Black Rock 5. Despite his many successes as a Para athlete Derek looks forward to running with local people in local settings.
Richard Brickley MBE – Chairman DSF (SCIO) Board of Charity Trustees