In the 2017 Virgin Money London Marathon, Derek Rae from Kirkcaldy and Fife AC ran a personal best time by over four minutes to record 02:33:24.
Derek was running for Team Great Britain in the World Para Athletics Marathon World Cup and finished third in the T45/T46 class. This was by far Derek’s best marathon performance to date against the world’s leading runners in his class.
The two athletes who finished ahead of him were Alex Pires Da Silva (Brazil) 02:28:20 and Abelhadi El Harti from Morocco 02:29:38. In 2016 they were ranked 2nd and 4th in the world and Derek was ranked 8th. Derek’s 2017 run could move him up at least two places in the world standings.
In each of his London Marathons to date Derek has recorded personal best times. Derek’s long term aim is to gain selection for Team GB for his second Paralympic Games in Tokyo in 2020. The run this year clearly indicates the British number one continues to make progress towards his overall goal. Brilliant performance Derek and congratulations.
Richard Brickley MBE
President, Disability Sport Fife