Simpson strolls to Inverness Half Marathon win
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The Deeside Runners athlete crossed the line in 66 minutes 15 seconds to win the race for the third time in his career.
Last year, the 27-year-old claimed the course record of 64:27 but atrocious weather conditions meant it was always unlikely it would be threatened.
Despite adding the title to his previous triumphs in 2014 and 2018, Simpson was disappointed conditions prevented him from going faster.
“There was a bit of tail end off the start line,” he said.
“It got me off to a good speed and I tried to keep the momentum going.
“I felt good from halfway to around seven miles.
“But when I turned around into the wind it started to pick up.
“It started to rain so it was a bit of a battle running into the head wind.
“I didn’t see what was happening behind and I found it hard to keep a good rhythm going into the head wind.
“I knew there would be bits that would go well and bits I would struggle with.
“So I opened up a bit of a lead and relaxed.
“But I lost focus as nobody was really pushing me.
“When I came back down the hill with three quarter miles to go I tried to put the foot down and I was feeling good that I could get 65 minutes.
“Then I turned into the wind.
“I could see there was a gap of 40 seconds a lot of the way.
“I wanted to save a bit for the second half but I felt I was running low on energy in the last 20 minutes.
“I wanted to get a gel or a drink but my hands were really cold and I thought I’ll make it to the end instead.
“I was feeling low on energy and happy to get to the end in one piece.
“I don’t mind wind and rain, but the cold made it tough.
“But running wise I didn’t feel I was pushed physically, I didn’t feel I went to my limit, I was comfortable all the way. But the conditions made it difficult.
“It was disappointing with the time, it wasn’t like last year when I had someone to run with.”
Simpson is preparing for the London Marathon where he will look to achieve a qualification time for the World Championship in Doha.
In preparation he says he will take part in Garioch Half Marathon in Inverurie later this month.
Mike Crawley from Corstorphine claimed second place in 68:40.
Mike Christoforou from Edinburgh AAC was third with 69:07.
