Zola Budd competing in the Stirling Scottish Marathon
Two-time Olympian Zola Budd set to race alongside Scottish distance runner Liz McColgan this May.
Zola Budd - one of the most recognisable names in Olympic history - is set to compete in the Stirling Scottish Marathon in May 2017.
She's up against Scotland's greatest-ever distance runner Liz McColgan, who was recently announced as an ambassador for the Great Run British Marathon Series.
Zola, now known as Zola Pieterse, is a two-time Olympian and former world record holder over 5,000 metres.
She is most remembered in Britain for the Olympic 3,000 metre final in Los Angeles, in which American world champion Mary Decker tripped and fell after coming into contact with one of Zola's legs. Although she was entirely blameless, it was a story that occupied the headlines for days to come.
The story has been retold in a documentary called The Fall: Decker vs Budd that will be aired on July 29, in which Zola and Mary are reunited to share their experiences of the day.
Zola competed for Great Britain in the 1984 Olympics and went on to represent her home nation South Africa in the subsequent two Games. Her career highlights also include winning the World Cross Country Championships in 1985.
After retiring from international competition, Zola has competed in marathons and the 56-mile Comrades ultra-marathon on two occasions.
On competing in Stirling, Zola said, "Having heard about the event, I immediately accepted the invitation. I love distance running and this will be a new challenge.”
“I have heard great things about Scotland and the route sounds both unusual and interesting. It will be quite an experience to start in a safari park"
Organised by the Great Run Company the Stirling Scottish Marathon will be the first event to be staged in the newly formed Great Run British Marathon Series.
The event, supported by Stirling Council, Stirling University, and Scottish Athletics starts in the west of the city at Blair Drummond Safari Park. The route then incorporates the breath-taking Stirlingshire countryside and historic landmarks including Doune Castle and Bridge of Allan before finishing beneath the imposing ramparts of Stirling Castle.
The course is predominately flat and will be suitable for all abilities from elite runners to first time joggers
Meanwhile, Scottish runners who no longer live in the country will be encouraged to take part in the marathon in the #ComeHomeToRun initiative, with the inaugural event already proving to be a popular attraction.
The Stirling Scottish Marathon will be followed by the Birmingham International Marathon which will be staged in October 2017, with a third marathon in the series set to be unveiled in the near future.
Stirling Council Leader Johanna Boyd said: “This is absolutely fantastic news and a real vote of confidence in The Great Run Company’s Stirling Scottish Marathon.
“Known and admired around the world Zola Budd is a true sporting icon and I’m the sure the whole of Stirling is looking forward to welcoming her next May.
“With Scottish running legend Liz McColgan previously confirmed to take part Stirling’s marathon really is shaping up to be one of the must-see sports events of 2017.”