For the second year in succession, Derek Rae from Fife AC spent a month in Kenya for high altitude winter training. Following a long journey home, Derek turned up at his “old stomping ground” on Saturday for the Kirkcaldy Parkrun UK.
It was an opportunity for Derek to gauge how his legs were feeling after the challenges of intensive training and lengthy travel. Not surprisingly the Kirkcaldy athlete turned in a personal best.
Derek is coached by Ron Morrison and supported by the sportscotland Institute of Sport, Scottish Athletics and UK Athletics. The Virgin London Marathon in April is once again his main focus and all of his winter training has been geared towards that very special occasion.
Derek is an ambassador for Disability Sport Fife and a DSF peer mentor volunteer. Derek helps out at the weekly Wednesday Disability Sport Fife run, jump and throws session at the Michael Woods Sports & Leisure Centre.
One of the athletes who attends that session is Graham Law from Glenrothes. Derek made time after he had finished his run to go back and support Graham over the final stages. Typical of Derek and massively appreciated by one of his number one Disability Sport Fife fans. The special moment was captured by William Law, Graham’s father.
Richard Brickley MBE – President Disability Sport Fife