Inverness Harriers president Charlie Forbes credits Megan Keith’s Olympic Games appearance with making 2024 club’s best ever year
Inverness Harriers club president Charlie Forbes says 2024 was the best year ever for the club.
History was made as Megan Keith became the first ever Harrier to compete at the Olympic Games, but that was only the tip of the iceberg of the club’s successes.
Mhairi Maclennan also became the Scottish Half Marathon champion at her home race in Inverness, Luke Davidson became the Scottish 800 metres champion, Zak Fearn became a Scottish School’s champion and Caitlyn Heggie win the River Ness 10k, amongst a number of other achievements from the club across all age levels.
Even coaches have been recognised for their efforts, with Ross Cairns being named the Scottish Athletics performance coach of the year.
The Harriers have hit some heights in the past, but the scope and magnitude of 2024’s achievements mean that even in a year that has posed its challenges, Forbes says the last 12 months have topped the lot.
“That was a big occasion, and we did that again in 2014 in Glasgow,” Forbes said.
“Those are great achievements for the club, but to get someone at the Olympics over the last year means 2024 is definitely at the top.
“The Olympic Games is always the place you aspire to as an athlete, it’s got to be, so to see the club produce its first Olympian is absolutely fantastic.
“It’s great for the area of Inverness, but also the Highlands as a whole, for people to see what can be done with a bit of commitment and dedication.
“A lot of credit should go to Ross Cairns for his dedication, because the commitment that is given as a coach often goes unrecognised.
“I was delighted to see him get his award more than anyone, because I know what he has done over the years at the club.
“He came in as a runner, and then as an assistant coach, and now he’s right at the top. It doesn’t get better than that for someone like Ross.”
After such a positive year, then, the question remains of how the Inverness Harriers can build on those successes in 2025.
“That’s up to the rest of the coaches and all the new members of the club who get involved,” Forbes added.
“It all starts with a bit of motivation and inspiration from someone like Megan Keith, who got there.
“If you want to be a coach, it also shows that you can get accolades at the highest level in your country.”
