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PICTURES & VIDEO: North Highland Harriers among record entry at 2022 Inverness Half Marathon


By John Davidson

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North Highland Harriers members at the end of the 2022 Inverness Half Marathon on Sunday (from left) David Whitelaw, Wick; David MacDonald, Thurso; James Kelman, Reiss; John Budge, Staxigoe; and Paul MacDonald, Wick. Picture: John Davidson
North Highland Harriers members at the end of the 2022 Inverness Half Marathon on Sunday (from left) David Whitelaw, Wick; David MacDonald, Thurso; James Kelman, Reiss; John Budge, Staxigoe; and Paul MacDonald, Wick. Picture: John Davidson

Members of far north running club the North Highland Harriers were among a record entry to the Inverness Half Marathon and 5K event at the weekend.

The Highland capital welcomed thousands of runners over the two distances on Sunday as the popular running event returned after being cancelled in 2021. It was one of the last big events to go ahead in March 2020 before the first Covid lockdown hit.

The 13.1-mile run, the 37th in the history of the event, was won for the first time by a member of the local running club, the Inverness Harriers,

Sean Chalmers crossed the line in 1 hour 6 minutes and 16 seconds, just five seconds ahead of Peter Avent, of Shettleston Harriers. Fraser Stewart, of Cambuslang Harriers, was third in the men's reace in 1:06:40.

Annabel Simpson won the women's title in 1:13:40 and was only 19 seconds off the course record set by Kenyan athlete Cathy Mutwa in 2007. Lauren Wilson (Edinburgh AC) was runner-up in 1:18:27 while Jen Wetton (Central AC) was third in 1:18:38.

Half Marathon winners Sean Chalmers and Annabel Simpson.
Half Marathon winners Sean Chalmers and Annabel Simpson.

A total of 3400 runners signed up to the event. Among the far north contingent taking part in the half marathon, Greg Shearer led the way in 25th position with a time of 1:12:19.

Other North Highland Harriers to finish were: Michael Sutherland (01:25:44), Kenny Macgruer (01:30:32), Paul MacDonald (01:31:02), Adam Critchley (01:32:04), David Whitelaw (01:35:04), John Budge (01:35:16), James Kelman (01:37:47), Jonny Wilkin (01:43:27), Amy Harrold (01:48:02), Angus Mackay (01:52:36) and Gavin Powell (01:52:38).

In the 5K, which had more than 1000 people signed up to take part, Luke Nelson of University of Aberdeen Athletics Club and Caitlyn Heggie of Ross County Athletics Club won the top prizes in times of 17:15 and 17:30 respectively.

Malcolm Sutherland, director of Inverness Half Marathon and 5K, said: “A massive congratulations to our winners, Sean Chalmers and Annabel Simpson for the Half Marathon and Luke Nelson and Caitlyn Heggie for the 5K.

“With the last Inverness Half Marathon and 5K taking place just a couple of weeks before the first Covid-19 lockdown, this year’s event was extra special. We were delighted to see record numbers of entrants signing up and taking on the Half Marathon and 5K, and the buzz throughout the day was amazing.

“Runners came from across the UK and our volunteers and supporters ensured they were given a warm Highland welcome back. We’d like to thank everyone involved in making the event such a success, especially all of the runners, many of whom were raising funds for charity. We hope to see you all again next year.”

Luke Nelson and Caitlyn Heggie won the 5K event.
Luke Nelson and Caitlyn Heggie won the 5K event.

Winners of the Half Marathon were presented with their medals by Depute Provost of Inverness, Bet McAllister, who is also a former Inverness Harriers coach.

She said: “What a fantastic day! Well done to everyone who took part in the Inverness Half Marathon and 5K, especially to the winners.

“As a former Inverness Harriers coach, it always brings me such joy seeing people take part in events like this and achieving their goals. Not only is this event great for participants, but for Inverness and the wider area, as well as the charities that are supported. Congratulations to everyone involved.”

The start of the 2022 Inverness Half Marathon.
The start of the 2022 Inverness Half Marathon.

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