The Loch Ness Marathon took place on Sunday and, following last year’s trip to Frankfurt, was this year’s choice as the PH Marathon Championship. There was a smaller number of finishers than we would have hoped for with the race selling out much earlier than anticipated, and a few of our entrants succumbing to injury before, and even during the race. The rain at the start was not as bad as forecast and a bit of drizzle during the race, along with a tailwind, made for excellent running conditions.
Our Marathon Champion this year was none other than Stuart Meiklejohn (pictured) who put in a personal best run of 2:53:50, to better his time from Frankfurt. Scott Love was happy with his second fastest marathon time of 3:11:06 and Kevin Hughes can also be pleased with his time of 3:18:55. Mark Mackenzie posted his fastest time since he came back to running and re-joined PH, finishing in 3:26:32.
Whilst others were running the marathon the Westerns were taking part in the River Ness 10k. Mark Western was just off the V60 podium with his time of 42:50 with Mary finishing as 3rd V60 in 47:47. A couple of weeks beforehand, Mary had picked up an 800m bronze medal at the British Masters Track and Field Championships in Derby.
The Linlithgow 10k was also taking place, apparently in pretty grim conditions, and Luke McNeil had another good run of 33:26. Andrew McQueen ran a PB time of 39:20 which is very impressive on what isn’t by any means a fast course. Ed Norton continued his retirement from competitive running by winning the V70 prize in 47:35, ahead of 2nd V70 Ivor McIvor.
Well done to all and thanks to the race organisers for putting on these events.
