FOUR first-time marathon runners will be given the exclusive opportunity to be coached through the Stirling Scottish Marathon by distance running legend Liz McColgan.

Liz, through her role as ambassador for the Great Run British Marathon Series, which covers the 2018 Stirling Scottish Marathon and the Birmingham International Marathon, will be providing guidance to four runners who will be taking on their first-ever marathon on April 29, 2018.

Marathon organisers The Great Run Company will provide four lucky runners who have entered the marathon with an exclusive marathon training programme designed by the two-time Commonwealth champion, as well as receiving motivational support throughout their journey.

They will also receive entry into the Simplyhealth Great Winter Run on January 13, which will be a training event for the marathon, where they will get the chance to meet Liz and take part in a Q&A session in Edinburgh.

In 2017, Stirling’s inaugural marathon reached capacity months before the event, with 6,500 people signing up for the 26.2mile run through the Stirlingshire countryside in May.

Following constructive feedback from the runners, a new and improved course has been designed which will showcase the beautiful scenery and historic landmarks of central Scotland.

Any interested runners would need to enter the Stirling Scottish Marathon at greatrun.org/stirling and are required to email stirlingchallenge@thegreatruncompany.com with a short statement on why they should be considered by 31 October 2017.