Over 9,400 runners tackled the beautiful and challenging marathon course, the super fast 10km race and the accessible 5km and junior races.

White smashes the course record

Amongst thousands of runners and supporting spectators, Isaiah Kosgei from Metro Aberdeen RC came through to win the 26.2-mile event in a time of 2:29.31. Katie White from Garscube Harriers was the winning female athlete setting an 18-year marathon record with an impressive time of 2:42.03.

White’s time is particularly impressive given the challenging nature of the marathon course and having run 76:22 only a week before at the Great Scottish Half Marathon.

44 year old Kosgei has a marathon best of 2:09 and this was his first win over the Loch Ness course having finished 3rd last year behind Mohammad Aburezeq and Adam Holland.

In the men’s race 2nd place when to Andy Hobdell coached athlete Nick Harris-Fry in 2:36:30 has he builds up to Valencia Marathon on December and 3rd place went to Ed Rees of Clapham Chasers 2:37:07.

Kerry Prise of metro Aberdeen was the 2nd placed woman in 2:52:31 and Sheena Logan was 3rd in 2:54:31.

Image credit: Loch Ness Marathon

One of the UKs fastest 10km courses

In the Baxters River Ness 10K, the first male over the line was Cameron Strachan from Metro Aberdeen
RC in a time of 30:31. Shortly followed by leading female, Megan Keith from Inverness Harriers AAC in
34:42.

Loch Ness Marathon coach, Tom Craggs, said “the 10km course is one of the fastest in the UK and should appeal to performance focused runners looking to nail a PB”

The top three men all ran sub 31 with Sean Chalmers clocking 30:40 for 2nd and James Donald 30:41 for 3rd. Jenny Bannerman was the second woman running 35:10 ahead of Ginnie Barrand who ran 35:44.

Broad appeal

Loch Ness Marathon veterans, Fiona Rennie of Carnegie Harriers, Kenneth Stewart of Perth Road Runners and Erica Christie who have never missed the race, continued their incredible feat to claim their 18th consecutive Baxters Loch Ness Marathon medal.

The oldest competitor in the Loch Ness Marathon was Roger Macmillan from Canada who at the age of 82 travelled from Canada to complete his 9th marathon at Loch Ness, proving to the hundreds of children under 5 taking part in the Wee Nessie that they had a long way to go to beat his milestone.

Runners have again been dedicated to helping raise thousands of pounds for charity. Official charity partner Macmillan Cancer Support hope to receive in excess of £75,000 to help people living with cancer and their families.

Renowned as one of the most scenic and beautiful marathons in the world, runners came from over 45 countries to take on the route that starts between Fort Augustus and Whitebridge before following a spectacular route along the south-side of Loch Ness into Inverness.

Thousands of entrants for the other distances took to the streets of the Highland capital before finishing collectively at Bught Park on the banks of the River Ness.

Image credit: Loch Ness Marathon

Rich history

Commenting on the 2019 event, Race Director Malcolm Sutherland said, “What a fantastic event it’s been, welcoming thousands of new and returning faces to the Highlands. The atmosphere all weekend has been remarkable and the energy around the finish line is unprecedented.

Seeing the event grow to record numbers over our rich 18-year history has been a highlight – it’s become a staple in the Scottish sporting calendar. Entries for the 2020 race are now open and we look forward to welcoming you all back next year for our 19th event.”

Audrey Baxter, executive chairman and group CEO of Baxters Food Group, said: “We are so proud to
be the title sponsor of the Loch Ness Marathon for the 18th year running. The event continues to reflect the company’s commitment to supporting the local community and providing food full of goodness to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle.

We are delighted to have been part of the event from the beginning, working with and supporting the team to help make the Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running the world-class event it is today. Well done to all the runners who took part in this year’s races!”

Early bird entry for the 2020 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running, which takes place on 4th October is now open. Sign up for the 2020 races at www.lochnessmarathon.com

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The post Record numbers cross the line at Baxters Loch Ness Marathon appeared first on Fast Running.

Hawkins bounces back

In a stunning display Callum Hawkins was a GB endurance highlight in Doha in the marathon. After bitter disappointment at the Commonwealth Games in 2018, where Hawkins’ collapsed at 40km Hawkins found sweet redemption, again in tough conditions to finish in 2:10:57 to finish 4th matching his place at London 2017 missing out on a medal by just six seconds.

With the struggles in the tough conditions experienced by other British endurance athletes Hawkins’ run should be considered one of the performances of the championships and makes him a serious contender for a medal in the Olympics next year.

Dina dominates in Doha

Despite the powerful air conditioning, the heat Dina Asher-Smith brought to the track, blew everyone off their seats. The 23-year-old and recent silver medallist in the World Championships 100m, stormed her way to a world title in the 200m in 21.88 seconds.

Asher-Smith proved she is in the form of her life by becoming the first ever British woman to win a world sprint title. This performance proved to not only Dina Asher-Smith herself, but the rest of the athletics world, that she is in strong contention to also become the first British woman to win an Olympic world title in Tokyo 2020.

An emotional and tired Asher-Smith was lost for words as she said she knew she could do it, but ‘it’s a different thing actually going and doing it’. A phenomenal, world-class performance!

Adding to the success on the world stage was the extraordinary Katarina Johnson-Thompson. After years of not quite fulfilling her goals, KJT secured her position on top of the podium in the women’s Heptathlon. Johnson-Thompson gave phenomenal performances in the 100m hurdles, high jump, and 200m with PB’s in all three. After years of competing at a world level, KJT proved her strength by setting a British-record of 6,981, aligning herself with the likes of Jessica Ennis-Hill and Denise Lewis.

Credit: IAAF

McColgan and Weightman PB in the 5000m

Over the longer distance, there were other Brits who didn’t fail to make their nation proud. In the women’s 5,000m final, both Eilish McColgan and Laura Weightman took to the track to show the world what they could do. Continuing on her mother’s success, Eilish set a PB of 14:46, crossing the line in 10th place.

Just ahead of McColgan, with another PB and earning herself 3rd place on the UK all-time list, was Laura Weightman. Weightman stormed down the finishing straight to a rapid time of 14:44 in her first world championship race since deciding to up her race distance. Both girls gave the races of their lives, but left feeling they could do more, a reassuring position to be in heading into 2020.

Also adding to the strength of the British women’s team, was Laura Muir in the final of the 1500m. After 74 days off of the track whilst battling with injury, Muir proved in her heat that she wasn’t going to be giving any rusty performances at the World Champs.

History was made as Sifan Hassan, the Alberto Salazer coached athlete, set a new championship record and climbed her way to 6th on the all-time list in 3:51.95. The level of the field in this final was of such a high standard that the top 8 dipped under the previous championship record of 3:58.52, and the top 6 claimed either a personal or seasons’ best, or a national or area record. Very fast running!! Laura Muir herself ran a seasons best of 3:55.76 to earn a 5th place finish.

More results to come from Doha…

Aadan and Spink the leading Brits in Cardiff

In the Cardiff Half Marathon conditions were excellent and these were reflected in some quick times from the international field. Whilst it was Leonard Lagat who took the win in 59:29, there were some impressive times from the Brits. Mo Aadan was the first British male running 64:15 to finish 11th just ahead of Peter Le Grice in 12th with a speedy 64:20. Just one place behind Le Grice was Charlie Hulson in 64:28 and in 14th was Aaron Scott with a time of 66:25.

Kenya’s Lucy Cheruiyot claimed first place in 68:20 after a strong sprint to the finish. First Brit through the finish was Manchester Marathon winner Jenny Spink (7th) of Bristol & West in a spectacular 73:26, just 25 seconds outside of her lifetime best set back in 2015. In 10th position in 77:41, was Rebecca Hilland of Bath followed by Carys Hughes in 78:20 in 11th place.

The RunThrough Battersea 10k and 5k kickstarted the weekend on a cool, but sunny, Saturday morning. Daniel Cliffe took the 10km win in 31:19. The Liverpool runner completed his 8th 10k of the year and was just 7 seconds of his seasons best.

Cliffe secured himself a clear lead, followed by Henry Hart of Thames Valley. Hart set himself an impressive 1 minute 27 second PB of 32:12. Completing the podium in the men’s race was V45 athlete Bradley Hoyland in a cracking 32:37.

The times in the women’s race were of a similarly high standard. The fastest female time of the event was set by Southampton’s Jennifer Beckingham, who proved the course to be of PB setting standard. Beckingham crossed the line in 36:50, achieving a PB by 37 seconds!

Just 30 seconds behind her in 37:10 was Harriet Freeman with yet another lifetime best. The London City AC athlete beat her previous best over 10k by 1 minute 33 seconds. Next woman across the line was Sarah McDonald in an impressive 36:37.

The 5k race in Battersea Park also provided the space for some speedy runners. The men’s race was won by South London’s Joe croft in 15:15, a 19 second road 5k PB. In the women’s race, it was Saskia Matthews who claimed the gold title in 19:52.

Bland on form in Bournemouth

As always, this year’s Bournemouth Marathon Festival proved that running and excitement can always be in the same sentence. The festival weekend commenced with the Supernsonic 10k on Saturday afternoon. The course sees athletes run between the piers, with some testing dead turns.

The overall win went to Bristol & West’s Andrew Chambers in 31:29, just 7 seconds outside of his best ever over this distance. Chambers was followed by Callum Gillett of Reading AC in 34:09 and Olly Sheppard a fellow Bristol & West athlete of Chambers in 34:30.

The title of the women’s 10k went to Avon Valley’s Bethan Francis in a season’s best time of 38:37 to back up her win in 2018. Francis again achieved a clear lead and was followed by Fiona Blagg (41:12) and Agnieszka Loeff (42:29).

In the Supernova 5k, athletes set off just as the sun began to set. It was the Cambridge Harrier, Bayley Massey, who took gold in the men’s race and was the overall winner. There was a battle to the line, but it was Massey who won in 15:51. Only 1 second behind was William Stockley of Belgrave and St Mary’s University. Stockley beat his road 5k PB set back in 2014 by 12 seconds.

Leamington’s Wendy Daniels took home the women’s title in 19:27 followed by Holly Wilkinson (20:01) and Victoria Wella (20:26).

On a day supposedly destined for rain, the sun shone for the runner’s in Bournemouth. In the half marathon, James Hoad was the first male finisher in a time of 1:09:45 followed by Sean Hogan of Poole Runners in 1:10:43. In his home town, Robert Spencer rounded up the podium, securing himself a bronze medal in 1:11:06.

The women’s race was won by Sophie Delderfield in 1:21:17, running her best time this year by over a minute. Delderfield was closely followed by Alexa King of Hart Road Runners (1:21:40) and Farnham Runners Sarah Hill (1:23:43).

Doing Fast Running proud, our very own Gill Bland took home the gold medal in the Bournemouth Marathon women’s race!! The Harrow runner fought all the way to the finish but was too strong for second place to compete with and crossed the line in 2:59:41. A strong sub 3-hour performance. It was Jen Granger who hung on for second place, finishing just outside of the 3-hour mark in 3:00:34. Rounding off the women’s top three was Juliet Champion of Poole AC in 3:02:58.

In the men’s marathon Lloyd Biddell of Mercia Fell Runners ran himself across the line to a first-place finish. Biddell finished in a time of 2:25:48 followed by Phil Wyle of Cheltenham in 2:33:27. Securing himself the bronze medal was Steven Yates in a strong 2:41:08.

Lancashire on course in Aintree

The Run Aintree 5k, 10k and half marathon saw plenty of runners gallop their way to speedy times. The 5k title went to Alfie Crockett in 16:02 and the women’s winner was V35 runner Carmel Edwards in an incredible 18:46.

It was Tom Lancashire that dominated the 10k race in Aintree. The Bolton Harriers athlete and previous 7th place finisher in the 1500m at the 2008 Olympic Games, clocked 31:22, securing his position on top of the podium. Elfyn Owen was the winning woman in 40:31.

Chris Millington took home the half marathon title in 1:18:27 for West Lancashire, but it was Anna Bracegirdle who won the women’s title as well as finishing second overall in 1:21:18, that stole the show.

Quality racing at Baxters Loch Ness 10km & Marathon

Over the 10k distance at the Baxters River Ness 10k some incredible times were ran with the top 3 male finishers all dipping under 31 minutes. Cameron Strachan of Metro Aberdeen Running Club climbed to the top of the podium, crossing the line in 30:31.

Following some very strong performances this year, it seems sub 30 minutes may not be too far away for the athlete. The battle for second and third position was a close one, with strong performances by both runners. The silver medal position was claimed by Inverness Harriers’ Sean Chalmers, who clocked a personal best of 30:40, followed by James Donald in 30:41.

The women’s race included some similarly strong results with Inverness Harriers acquiring the top two places on the podium. Megan Keith gave an outstanding performance for her 10k debut. The U20 athlete clocked a time of 34:42, placing herself third in the UK U20 rankings for the event. Shortly behind Keith in 35:11 was Jenny Bannerman with a strong performance. Third place went to Ginnie Barrand with a 43 second PB of 35:46.

The Baxters Loch Ness Marathon was the main event of the festival. Isaiah Kosgei of Metro Aberdeen Running Club ran through the line in first place, a huge success after a third-place finish last year. Kosgei stopped at 2:29:31 on the clock. Second place went to Nick Harris-Fry in 2:36:30, his second best time this year. Ed Rees was the third man to cross the line in 2:37:09.

Katie White stormed to the front of the women’s race, gaining a huge 10-minute lead. White of Garscube Harriers ran a seasons best of 2:42:03 over the tough, hilly course. Following White in 2:52:31 was Kerry Prise ahead of Sheena Logan of Fife AC in 2:54:23.

Loch Ness Marathon winner Katie White

Rounding up the roads

Also over the 42.2k distance, was the Chester Marathon. Tom Charles of Trafford AC ran his way to glory in a time of 2:29:28 in the men’s race coming out on top of an exciting battle with Tristan Windley who finished in 2:29:36. Edinburgh AC legend and 2:18 marathon man Neil Renault finished 3rd in 2:32:59.

Abbey Van Dyke took home the women’s gold medal in 3:01:38 ahead of Halifax Harrier Johanna Sutcliffe in 3:04:38. Camilla Hermsen rounded off the podium running 3:04:58 .

In the Plymouth 10k, Steve Gallienne ran a strong 31:57 for first place for the men. Kairn Stone followed in a best for 2019 in 33:21, ahead of Adam Holland (34:15).

In the women’s race Ruby Orchard of Cornwall AC claimed first place in a rapid 37:20. Next woman to cross the line was Rebecca Ezra in 37:37, an eight second personal best. Third place went to V40 runner, Serane Stone, in a speedy 37:42.

At the Southend 10k Springfield Striders were out in mass, proving their strength across the board. The win in the men’s race went to Southend’s own Thomas Frith in 32:03. It was Springfield Striders that completed the rest of the podium, with Pete Robinson in 32:17 and Mark Newton in 33:02.

The club’s success continued into the women’s race, where Liz Davies took home the women’s title in 35:40. The next woman into the finish was Rachel Wiseman with a time of 36:24, followed by Alexa Joel of Billericay Striders in 36:41.

Back over the half marathon distance, The Royal Borough of Kingston Half Marathon took place. South London Harriers athlete Gary Laybourne hung on for first place in 1:09:11, a huge 3 minute 9 second PB! Second place’s Andrius Jaksevicius of Belgrave was just 18 seconds behind Laybourne in 1:09:29. The bronze medal was taken by Alex Dunbar in 1:12:43.

For the senior women, it was U23 athlete Morven Goodrum who came out on top of the podium with a powerful 1:17:06 in her first ever half marathon. Goodrum was followed by April James-Welsh in 1:24:51 and Chloe Binley in 1:29:00.

Photo: Shrewsbury Half

Adding to the list of half marathon results was the Shrewsbury Half Marathon. Tom Roberts of Meirionnydd Running Club took home gold for the men, clocking 1:09:54 ahead of Jack Pickett (1:11:56). The first-place women’s finisher was Fulham’s Jackie Skinner in 1:21:29, followed by Rachel Sweatt of Witham RC in a strong 1:22:50.

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The post Fantastic performances in Doha and Cardiff – the weekend roundup appeared first on Fast Running.

Meanwhile back in the UK, there was plenty of fantastic running this weekend from the Midland Road Relay Championships in Birmingham to marathon action in Scotland.

Jonny Mellor had a fantastic run in the German capital. At the halfway mark the Liverpool Harrier clocked 65:47 before storming onto a 2:12:57 finish. Mellor took almost four minutes off his personal best and finished well below the 2:17:00 Commonwealth Games standard.

10th in 2:12:57 for @jonnymellor9 today in the @berlinmarathon CWG standard too pic.twitter.com/JWul2csUhx

— TeamNBMCR (@TeamNBMCR) September 24, 2017

It was also a personal best performance from Matt Sharp. The Enfield and Haringey runner and former triathlete clocked 2:16:02, bettering the 2:17:45 he set in London earlier this year, while Paul Martelletti of Victoria Park Harriers was a minute behind in 2:17:10, just missing out the Commonwealth standard.

Competing in his first serious marathon Carl Hardman of Salford Harriers crossed the line 2:19:35 and close behind was Steve Bayton of Hallamshire Harriers in 2:19:41, while Scott Overall pulled out at 35K.

Also worth noting was the performance of Spaniard Iraitz Arrospade a member of Sheffield and Dearne who improved his best by almost three minutes, clocking 2:18:09.

Sonia Samuels was the first woman to finish, notching her second sub 2:30 marathon. The Sale Harriers Manchester runner came through the halfway point in 74:03 and maintained well close to the same pace to finish in 2:29:34, over five minutes below the Commonwealth standard.

After posting 75:12 at halfway, Lily Partridge did not finish the race, but at this stage, it is unclear the reasons.

Northern Irish runner Kevin Seaward ran inside the Commonwealth standard with a strong run to finish 19th in 2:15.50, while Laura Graham just missed out by five seconds posting 2:37:05.

Midland 6-Stage Road Relay Championships – Sutton Park, Birmingham, September 23
Bristol & West AC showed their dominance in the Midland 6-stage relay to clinch the Midland title, with strong runs from Jarlath McKenna and Steve Mitchell on the fifth and final legs respectively. After an early lead and out in front for most the race, Cheltenham and County Harriers had to settle for silver for a second consecutive year.

Birchfield Harriers finished in third position, well clear of the fourth-placed chasing club.

Cheltenham’s Graham Rush posted the fastest leg of the day in 17:35, ahead of Dan Studley of Bristol & West in 17:37, with Thomas Mortimer of Stroud and District third in 17:45.

Jarlath McKenna and @stemitchell3 with fantastic runs on legs five and six to seal victory. @DanStudley92 with the fastest leg in 17:36. pic.twitter.com/kyPUPZVv7b

— Bristol and West AC (@bristolwestac) September 23, 2017

In the Midland 4-stage, Birchfield Harriers won with Cheltenham & County Harriers second and Bristol & West AC third.

Birchfield Harriers’ Becky Straw ran the fastest leg of the day in 14:43. U20 Hannah Hobbs of Westbury Harriers ran the second fastest leg in 14:49, with Bristol & West’s Eleanor Davies third in 14:50.

A special mention must also go to Gillian Palmer whose strong running in leg 2 took Cheltenham from eighth to second.

South of England Road Relay Championships – Crystal Palace, September 24

Highgate Harriers won the men’s South of England 6-Stage relay, while Aldershot took the top honours in the women’s relay.

Ealing Half Marathon – Ealing, September 24
At Ealing Half Marathon, voted the UK’s best half marathon for the last three years, the top three men all dipped under 1:10:00. The victory belonged to John Poole in 1:08:05 from Austin Roth in 1:08:21 and Alex Milne finished third in 1:09:21.

Isabel Clark stormed to the win in the women’s race in 1:17:53, over 6 minutes clear of second.

Robin Hood Half Marathon / British Athletics Half Marathon Championships, Nottingham, September 24
The British Athletics Half Marathon Championships was incorporated into the Robin Hood Half Marathon this year, with Chris Thompson (Aldershot, Farnham & District) taking the gold in 1:04:58.

Richard Horton (Shaftesbury Barney) clinched silver in 1:07:38 and local runner Alistair Watson completed the podium with 1:07:57.

In the women’s race, Emily Waugh (Rugby and Northampton/ABRaS) ran 1:18:01. Behind her was Juliet Potter (Charnwood Ac) in 1:21:09, with Michelle Clarke (Telford Ac) posting 1:22:44 for third.

Loch Ness Marathon & 10K – Inverness, September 24
Mohammad Abu-Rezeq from Altrincham won the Loch Ness Marathon in 2:22:02, while Lesley Pirie of Victoria Park Glasgow AC clinched the women’s title in 2:48:10.

A 10k was also staged as part of the marathon weekend. Kristian Jones Swansea Harriers beat the 30-minute barrier posting 29:52 for the win, while Jenny Bannerman of Inverness Harriers won the women’s race in 35:16.

Swansea Bay 10K – Swansea, September 24
Kenyan Elias Kiptoo Kemboi was the winner in Swansea posting 28:19. Behind him was Dewi Griffiths, who continued his great season by recording a new road 10k personal best of 28:27, also moving him top of the UK ranking.

Junior Dorcas Jepchumba Kimeli won the women’s race in a rapid 32:13 from fellow Kenyan Caroline Nyanguthi Nyaga who clocked 32:43.

The post Jonny Mellor stars in Berlin, while Bristol & West AC win Midland 6-Stage – Weekend Round-Up appeared first on Fast Running.

But if you missed out on one of these big marathons or you are a last minute runner, here are five marathon races this autumn that you can still sign up for.

1. Amsterdam Marathon

When: 15th October 2017

Regarded as one of the fastest marathons in Europe, the Amsterdam Marathon program of events attracts more than 20,000 people to the Dutch city every year. The 2016 marathon race was won in 2:05.21. If the 26.2 miles isn’t for you there is also a half marathon and 8K. You can also make it a family weekend with the kids run.

Entries close: 4th September 2017.
More information: tcsamsterdammarathon.nl

2. Brussels Marathon

When: 1st October 2017

The Brussels Marathon is a more difficult marathon, but if you want a challenging course it’s the one for you. In 2016 the winning time was 2:16:51 and there is also a half marathon.

Entries close: 18th September 2017.

More information: sport.be/brusselsmarathon/2017

3. Loch Ness Marathon

When: 24th September 2017

Since its started in 2002, the Loch Ness Marathon has quickly become one of the UK’s favourite marathons.  The 26.2 mile route takes in the beautiful Highland scenery and the shores of Loch Ness. There is also a 10K race.

Entries close: No set date, but still open.

More information: lochnessmarathon.com

4. Rock ‘n’ Roll Lisbon Marathon

When: 15th October 2017

Now part of the Rock ‘n’ Roll series of races, the Lisbon Marathon attracts thousands of runners each year. It is fast course but it is a point-to-point race, so the start and finish lines are in different locations. There is also a half marathon race.

Entries close: 8th October.

More information: runrocknroll.com/lisbon

5. Venice Marathon

When: 22nd October 2017

The organisers describe the Venice Marathon as spectacular, and they’re not wrong. The race is flat and fast and the route takes in some magnificent parts of the city. The marathon was first organised in 1986 and there is also a 10K race.

Entries close: Still open, but will close when it sells out, which will be soon.

More information: venicemarathon.it

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