Natasha's Record Breaking Day In The Highlands
It was a day of fast times and Highland hospitality at the weekend's Inverness Half Marathon...
Over 3600 runners took to the streets of Inverness at the weekend as part of the Inverness Half Marathon and 5K, there were plenty of fast times across the board and an exciting half marathon course record came courtesy of teenager Natasha Phillips in the women's race.
It was smiles all round for Fraser Stewart and Natasha Phillips who both claimed wins in the Inverness Half Marathon and Scottish Half Marathon Championships 2023. Fraser Stewart from Cambuslang Harriers finished the 13.1 mile course in a time of 1:05:24, while Natasha Phillips from Dundee Hawkhill Harriers finished in 1:11:56. Natasha Phillips also set a new female Inverness Half Marathon course record, previously set by Cathy Mutwa in 2007 (1:13:21).
Taking place as part of the Inverness Half Marathon for the first time was the Scottish Half Marathon Championships, which is open to scottishathletics members. The North District Championships, which is open to scottishathletics members in the north of Scotland, were also held as part of the event. Kenny Wilson and Catriona Fraser took the win in times of 1:07:29 and 1:21:49 respectively.
Winning the Inverness 5K, which took place alongside the Half Marathon, were Lachlan Thomas of Ross County Athletics Club in a time of 16:11 and Lois Macrae of Inverness Harriers in 18:06.
Commenting on the event, Malcolm Sutherland, Event Director, said: “As the first time hosting the Scottish Half Marathon Championships, as well as hosting the North District Championships again, this year’s Inverness Half Marathon was extra special.
“It was great to see so many people - of all abilities - taking part in the Half Marathon and 5K, and to see so many people out supporting them and cheering them on, even in the rain! It’s this Highland hospitality that keeps the runners going and makes the event so memorable."
Inverness Half Marathon winners were presented with their prizes by the Provost of Inverness, Councillor Glynis Sinclair, who said: “Congratulations to all the winners and everyone who took part today. It’s been great to see the buzz around Inverness this weekend and I hope even more people are inspired to take part next year!”
Image: Inverness Half Marathon
