Inverness Harriers athlete is queen of Nairn 10k again as she wins title for the ninth time in her career
Jenny Bannerman was on cloud nine as she celebrated winning the Nairn 10k women’s title for the ninth time in her career.
The Inverness Harriers athlete was crowned queen of the race again as she claimed victory in 37 minutes and 40 seconds.
Louise Mckenzie was in second place in 38.00 with Lucy McLeod of Metro Aberdeen in third place in 39.49.
The 37-year-old from Inverness first ran the Nairn 10K in 2008 and says it has become a special event to her which she always enjoys competing in.
She said: “It seems like yesterday, but at the same time it feels like I have been doing it forever.
“Since 2008, I have ran in the event every year, apart from Covid and another year through pregnancy and illness.
“It is the opening of the road season and I do like a 10k. I probably prefer doing 5k, but it is on my doorstep and you don’t have to get up too early in the morning, I really enjoy the event.”
Speaking about how the race went, Bannerman said: “It was tough on the way out, my Dad said to take the pace out in the first half and then have enough on the way back.
“It felt harder than it should have running in a slower pace on the way out. It was nice coming back knowing that the wind was going to be behind you the whole way back.
“It is the slowest time I have done since giving birth to my son George. But I had a negative split of around one minute 40 seconds between the two 5k’s.”
Bannerman last won the Nairn 10k in 2023 among her nine title successes at Nairn.
She also claimed the Scottish Veterans 5K title in 2023.
Bannerman says she is looking to compete at the Scottish 5K championships which take place in May as well as compete in other events during this year.
She is not ruling out coming back to the Nairn 10k in 2026 and attempt to claim her 10th title.
She said: “Every year I am like I have another year left. But I have to keep training and see how it goes. I have got a couple of more 10k event and 5k events I am hoping to do.”
The Maryburgh athlete, who runs for Aberdeen Athletics Club, was crowned men’s champion when he ran the race in a time of 30 minutes and three seconds.
