Scotland’s ultra distance champion William Sichel delivered another positive performance at the weeken when he recorded a 7th place finish as part of a strong field in the Tooting 24-hour track race in South London.

Competing just five weeks after winning the silver medal at the Scottish 24 Hour Championships in Perth, 55-year-old Sichel completed 124 miles 1021 yards, only 1315 yards less than the distance that brought him victory in Scotland.

The field was one of the strongest assembled in Britain for many years with the winner covering a remarkable 151 miles 248 yards, and second and third covering over 140 miles.

Sichel, from Orkney, explained that since moving up to multiday events his recovery from 24-hour races has become much quicker, enabling him to compete more often in such events.

Everything William is doing now is geared up to his second attempt on Scotland’s oldest athletic record – the 567 mile Six Day record, set 126 years ago in 1882 by George D. Noremac.

William has decided to make his attempt in Athens, starting on April 3rd.

"This was effectively a quality training run and build up towards the 6 day Athens event, and so pleased to still be able to compete in such a quality field," said William.

The next part of his build up will be the 72 hour ‘Across the Years’ race in Phoenix, USA, running from December 30th until new Year’s Day.