Glasgow 2014 organisers have been criticised by leading athletes after it was confirmed that next summer's Commonwealth Games marathon will not finish inside Hampden Park.
Both men's and women's races on July 27 will start and finish on Glasgow Green rather than giving competitors the traditional final lap of honour inside the main athletics stadium. Logistical difficulties in closing roads around the arena are understood to be the main reason for the scheme, but Susan Partridge, one of Scotland' main hopes, has declared her disappointment at the decision.
"I'm pretty gutted," said the Great Britain internationalist. "It's one of those things every Scottish athlete wants: to come into a full stadium with everyone cheering for you. If the marathon finishes on The Green, we're going to miss out on that. It just won't be the same. It's still exciting to have the Games in Glasgow and I know we'll get lots of support on the streets. But it would have been exciting to be running into Hampden."
The switch has been defended by Glasgow 2014, who this week have been undergoing their latest inspection visit from the Commonwealth Games Federation's technical commission. Games planners have ensured the course will pass many of the city's landmarks in a nod to the watching television audience.
"Over recent years the International Federation for Athletics has moved from the traditional model of finishing in the athletics stadium to utilising central city locations to maximise attendance by members of the public and showcase the host city," a spokesperson said.
Partridge, who was 10th at this year's world championships, may now consider doubling up over 10,000m to experience the Hampden Roar, with Arizona-based Scot Andrew Lemoncello also planning to opt for a track alternative.
"Coming into the stadium at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne was one of the highlights of my life," Partridge revealed. "I guess it's like being at a football match and scoring a goal and hearing that noise. It won't be the same at The Green."
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