Alex represents Harriers on The Rock

DUMFRIES Harriers' Alex Dingwall delivered a superb debut road marathon performance last weekend. He completed the Malta Marathon in 3:54:21, after months of determined training and overcoming a few injury setbacks. Alex set off at sunrise, from the ancient capital of Mdina, before following the stunning route across the island to Valletta and finishing in Sliema. On a warm, sunny morning, with more than 5,000 runners taking part, he paced the race exactly as planned and stayed on top of hydration, even when slight cramping and increasingly sore thighs kicked in around mile 19, something he fully expected. Alex managed the discomfort, allowed the pace to naturally ease and held it together for a brilliant sub-four-hour finish, even managing a smirk as he was overtaken at mile three by someone dressed as the Pink Panther! Although the legs are now feeling the effort, the sense of pride and huge achievement was more than worth it.