RENFREWSHIRE runner Callum Hawkins returned to action at the Valencia Half-Marathon last weekend as he clocked a time of 1:01:00 to finish in 16th place - a time which propels him up to second on the British rankings list for 2018.
The 26-year-old is looking to bounce back after the Commonwealth Games setback earlier this year and looked close to his best as he ran the third-quickest half-marathon of his career to finish inside the top 20 - the highest placing European.
READ MORE: Hawkins says homecoming was 'best thing' for career
“Things are on the up. 61:00 today in the Valencia half,” said Hawkins post-race on Instagram. “Not exactly what I wanted from the race but the legs are almost back.”
And the Kilbarchan Athletics Club star is set to follow that appearance by making his welcome return to full marathon distance at the Fukuoka Marathon in Japan on Sunday, December 2.
Hawkins has been out of competitive action since April when he was on course for victory at the Commonwealth Games marathon on the Gold Coast, leading the race before, overcome by the heat, he collapsed having completed 40km of the 42km course.
Finally I can officially announce that I will be running Fukuoka marathon on the 2nd of Dec. Cant wait to return to Japan and hopefully set another PB there.https://t.co/ZldIOni6aM#fukuokamarathon #marathon #japan #thebobproject #newbalance #high5fuelled #garmin #oakely
— Callum Hawkins (@callhawk) October 29, 2018
READ MORE: Fitzpatrick vows to ban yob who brought shame on Scottish football
But he is set to make his long-awaited comeback next month in a field packed with elite runners after confirming his decision via Twitter.
He Tweeted: “Finally I can officially announce that I will be running Fukuoka marathon on the 2nd of Dec. Can’t wait to return to Japan and hopefully set another PB there.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article