Inverness Half Marathon and 5k celebrates 40th anniversary as thousands of runners take part
Thousands of people pounded the streets as the Inverness Half Marathon and 5k celebrated it 40th anniversary on Sunday.
The popular event sold out early, with 3355 signing up for the Half Marathon and 1500 for the 5k.
Of the entries for the 5k, 42 per cent were from schools and youth clubs. Inverness athlete Megan Keith, who competed in the 10,000 metres at the 2024 Paris Olympics, was the official race starter this year.
This year, the event welcomed Julie McElroy, the first frame runner to the Inverness Half Marathon.
Ros Jemmett, who first completed the event 1985 and returned to run it again 40 years later.
Firefighters from the Highlands running in full kit to raise money for charity also took part.
Malcolm Sutherland, CEO of Caledonian Concepts, organiser of the Inverness Half Marathon & 5k said it was another successful event.
He said: “It is always inspiring to see so many runners of all abilities take part in this event and to be hosting the Scottish Half Marathon and North District Championships again in this milestone year is fantastic.
“For 40 years, our amazing team and volunteers, partners and sponsors, and the communities along the route have been making the Inverness Half Marathon and 5k the success it is today.
“A special thanks also to Olympian Megan Keith for being the official race starter – Megan has certainly been an inspiration to many since her heroic performance at the 2024 Olympics so to have her with us made our 40th anniversary event even more memorable.”
Central Athletic Club athlete Jamie Crowe was crowned national champion as he edged out Maryburgh athlete Sean Chalmers by one second in the closest race in the event’s history.
The Dundee athlete became Scottish champion when he crossed the line in a time of 65 minutes and 15 seconds with Chalmers just behind him on 65:16. Cambuslang Harriers athlete Ryan Thomson was close behind them finishing in 65:18.
Edinburgh Athletic Club runner Nancy Scott claimed the women’s title in far more convincing fashion as she won the women’s title for the first time.
The 25-year-old from Edinburgh claimed the women’s title as she came home in a time of 73 minutes and 24 seconds.
She was ahead of Naomi Lang of Carnethy who was in second place in 74:46 and Brogan Wallace who finished in third place in 75:01.
In the Inverness 5k, Denis Prikulis from Latvia, who now lives in Fort William and runs for Lochaber Athletic Club won in 15:29.
In the women’s 5k, Carolyn Cameron of Aberdeen Amateur Athletic Club won on her debut with a winning time of 17:44.
The event returns on March 8 next year.
