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PICTURES: Olympic 10,000m runner Megan Keith of Inverness Harriers joins Torvean junior parkrun for special 100th event





Megan Keith joined founders Nicola Madej (left) and Gillian Brandon for the 100th Torvean junior parkrun.
Megan Keith joined founders Nicola Madej (left) and Gillian Brandon for the 100th Torvean junior parkrun.

Youngsters taking part in the 100th junior parkrun in Inverness at the weekend enjoyed a surprise visit from the city’s own Olympian.

Megan Keith is set to take part in the 10,000 metres at the Olympics in Paris next month.

On Sunday, she took a brief break from training when she turned up to cheer on the 111 finishers and others who took part in the landmark junior parkrun at Torvean park.

She told the Inverness Courier: “It’s such a good initiative. I haven’t got to come and watch it myself before and it’s just cool to see so many people out enjoying their running.”

Megan, who started out as an orienteer with Inverness Orienteering Club (INVOC) before progressing to focus on running with Inverness Harriers, added that she has been struggling with an ankle problem in the run-up to Paris 2024.

Winning runner Maverick Souter with Megan Keith.
Winning runner Maverick Souter with Megan Keith.

“It’s been a bit up and down at the moment,” she said. “I’ve been struggling with a bit of an ankle problem but I’ve been trying to get the training in the best I can.

“I’m just trying to get excited but not carried away, but we’re looking forward to it.

“The realistic aim is just to get to the finish line and just be proud of what I’ve done. The big aims have been pushed to the side, so I’m just looking to enjoy the whole experience.”

On her rise to Olympic fame at age 22, she added: “I don’t think I’ve quite got to grips with it all, I’m just kind of rolling with the momentum the best I can and see where it takes me. It’s slightly crazy!”

The Torvean junior parkrun has been going for almost two years after being set up by Gillian Brandon and Nicola Madej, along with a host of helpers and volunteers.

Hermione Simleit (3) with dad Glenn (left) and Isabella Brandon with Stuart Howie.
Hermione Simleit (3) with dad Glenn (left) and Isabella Brandon with Stuart Howie.

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ACTIVE OUTDOORS: Inverness kids on their marks for parkrun anniversary fun

The 100th event saw an above-average number of participants who were treated to cake, games and other fun after the two-kilometre run.

Megan joined in with the warm-up before the event and posed for photos and chatted to children and parents afterwards.

Gillian said: “A massive thanks to all who made the event possible and to Megan for taking the time to come along, get involved, chat and pose for pictures. She had such a queue!

The children make a dash for it at the start.
The children make a dash for it at the start.

“It is really appreciated and a few kids were then asking when the Olympics were on. They will be absolutely delighted to see her compete after she encouraged so many people on Sunday.”

Megan will head out to Paris next Wednesday, July 31, for a holding camp ahead of her event at the Stade de France on August 9.

Junior parkrun takes place at Torvean park every Sunday at 9.30am and is open to children aged four to 14.

Nicola Madej, Megan Keith, Liz Gray and Gillian Brandon.
Nicola Madej, Megan Keith, Liz Gray and Gillian Brandon.
More than 100 youngsters took part in the 100th event.
More than 100 youngsters took part in the 100th event.
Run director for the 100th event Mhairi Sweeney.
Run director for the 100th event Mhairi Sweeney.
James Lockhart - with dad Peter - donned a specially decorated T-shirt to mark the occasion.
James Lockhart - with dad Peter - donned a specially decorated T-shirt to mark the occasion.
The trio of cakes to mark the 100th event.
The trio of cakes to mark the 100th event.
Nicola, Gillian and Megan during the warm up.
Nicola, Gillian and Megan during the warm up.
Matthew Davidson shows off his barcode at the finish.
Matthew Davidson shows off his barcode at the finish.
Volunteers scan the barcodes at the finish.
Volunteers scan the barcodes at the finish.
Volunteer Archie Webster with Nicola Madej and Gillian Brandon.
Volunteer Archie Webster with Nicola Madej and Gillian Brandon.
Striding through the finish line.
Striding through the finish line.
Megan Keith with Orrin McKenzie and Jack Shearer.
Megan Keith with Orrin McKenzie and Jack Shearer.
Chloe Sweeney meets Megan Keith.
Chloe Sweeney meets Megan Keith.
Grace Webster.
Grace Webster.
Co-founders of Torvean junior parkrun Nicola Madej and Gillian Brandon.
Co-founders of Torvean junior parkrun Nicola Madej and Gillian Brandon.
Megan Keith joins in with the warm up.
Megan Keith joins in with the warm up.
Gillian Brandon with Olympic 10,000m runner Megan Keith.
Gillian Brandon with Olympic 10,000m runner Megan Keith.

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