Moray Pryde caused a major upset when powering to an impressive victory in yesterday's Baxters Loch Ness Marathon in a time of 2:22:04. The 28-year-old, from Broxburn, wasn’t quoted among the pre-race favourites but scythed a remarkable nine minutes off his previous best time to take the top prize.

The Lothian Running Club member started cautiously then worked his way through the field, catching long time leader Tom Charles (Chorlton Harriers) just before the 23 mile mark. He then picked up the pace and sprinted home looking as fresh as he did in the opening stages. Charles had to settle for second position in 2:24:05 while Inverness athlete Shaun Cumming (Highland Hill runners) took third spot in 2:30:35.

Pryde said: “I’m quite new to running but I’ve done six marathons now. My first one was here in 2019 when I ran 2:51:04 then I improved to 2:40:43 last year. My best time before today was 2:31:48 at London in April, so I’m definitely heading the right way. I must credit my coach, Owen Williams, who has got me organised.

“My aim today was to be in the top five and get under 2:30, so I’ve done much better than expected. I had a bit left at the finish so started sprinting to see if I could get under 2:22, but just missed out. I’ll now aim for next year’s London marathon with the aim of going under 2:20.”

Runner-up Charles wasn’t too despondent despite appearing to have victory in his grasp for so long. He said: “I didn’t know that he (Pryde) was catching me but he managed the race better than I did. But, I’m 10 minutes faster than last time I ran here. And, I’ve got the Amsterdam Marathon in a fortnight, so hopefully I can do better there.

Melissah Gibson loves to run marathons and celebrated completing her 90th outing over the distance with a fine victory in the women’s division. The Ealing Eagles club member came tantalisingly close to setting a personal best time, missing out by three secs when clocking 2:43:45, which is the third quickest time in the 21 year history of the race.

She said: “Running marathons is my favourite thing to do and this has been a good year as I’ve now done 10 or 11. Today’s race was so good, it was well organised, the route is beautiful and the volunteers were great. It’s the first time I’ve been here because it has always clashed with other races in previous years but I’d like to do it again.

Edinburgh-based Irish runner Doireann Hughes secured a lifetime best of 2:56:03 when finishing second. It was only her third marathon and this was by far her best. She said: “I’m very happy with today’s performance. It’s such a good event and the course is beautiful – it takes the pain away.”

Find out more about the 2024 staging at the Loch Ness Marathon website. 

Image: Loch Ness Marathon