Scottish athlete looking forward to running in front of a home crowd as she takes on a 1km course as part of an international mixed two-person relay

Laura Muir has described the international mixed two-person relay forming part of Saturday’s Great Edinburgh Cross Country meeting as an “interesting prospect”.

The Commonwealth Games 1500m finalist is to form part of a Scotland ‘A’ team with Ross Matheson as the pair race 1km each and go up against teams from Great Britain, England , Ireland, Wales, USA and Italy. Each female team member will run the first leg before handing the baton to their male team-mate in this new event.

“It’s an interesting prospect,” said Muir. “I don t think I ve ever raced over 1km before, so the distance itself will be quite unusual for me plus the fact that it s a cross country race and a relay as well.”

The 21-year-old added: “There s quite a lot in the mix but I think it will be good fun. I love running in front of a home crowd and to have a Scottish vest on as well will be great. I just hope I run well for the team.”

Muir enjoyed a fine start to 2015, running a 3000m PB of 8:51.75 at Glasgow’s Emirates Arena on Saturday to go second on the UK under-23 indoor all-time list.

The Dundee Hawkhill Harrier is set to be joined on first leg duty at Holyrood by Jemma Simpson, running for the England ‘A’ team, and Rachael Bamford, running on the GB team with Ross Murray.

A two-page preview to the Great Edinburgh Cross Country meeting can be found in the December 8 edition of AW magazine which is available to order here or buy digitally here

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