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Sport Excel GB website report<\/a><\/p>\n Scottish athlete Sam Fernando<\/strong> won a superb silver medal with Sport Excel UK\u2019s Great Britain<\/strong> team at the 2026 Virtus World Half Marathon and 10K Championships<\/strong> in Azores.<\/p>\n Three athletes represented Great Britain on the Portuguese islands in the Men\u2019s 10K event: Sam (Fife AC), Steven Bryce<\/strong> (Fife \u00a0AC) and James McKibbin<\/strong> (North Devon AC).<\/p>\n In warm conditions, all three athletes started strongly and quickly established themselves at the front of a highly competitive field. At halfway, the British trio were setting the pace\u2014occupying first, second and third positions within a pack that included athletes from Spain, Portugal and France.<\/p>\n As the race unfolded,\u00a0Sam Fernando and James McKibbin\u00a0continued to contest the leading positions in what became a closely fought finish.<\/p>\n Sam delivered an outstanding performance to secure\u00a0silver medal position, crossing the line in 32:59\u2014just eight seconds behind the gold medallist, Spain\u2019s Ibal Magdaleno Palacio<\/strong>. McKibbin followed with an excellent run to finish\u00a0fourth.<\/p>\n Steven, who had been an integral part of the leading group in the early stages, was unfortunately affected by the heat and, after competing strongly for 8km, was forced to withdraw. His effort and commitment in challenging conditions were evident throughout.<\/p>\n Scottish coach\u00a0Steve Doig<\/strong>, GB Team Manager and Head Coach said: \u2018All three athletes did us proud. Whilst it was disappointing for Steven to have to withdraw he should be proud of the commitment he showed in conditions that didn\u2019t suit him.<\/p>\n \u2018Sam and James followed on from their success in Virtus internationals over the past two years. They were rewarded for their efforts with superb finishing positions. Kudos to all three athletes for their performances and for the great attitude and commitment they displayed throughout the weekend.\u2019<\/p>\n Tags:<\/strong>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.scottishathletics.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/threeguys-1024x667.jpeg\")
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSam Fernando<\/a>, Steve Doig<\/a>, Steven Bryce<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n