VIDEO – Aberdeen athlete sets second fastest ever time to win Loch Ness Marathon in Inverness
Jemima Farley set the second fastest ever time in the Loch Ness Marathon women's race to win the title for the first time.
The Aberdeen athlete, who now lives in Malta, stormed to victory by 15 minutes with a winning time two hours, 42 minutes and 40 seconds.
Farley, who celebrates her birthday tomorrow, was only 38 seconds off the course record of 2:42:04.
Glasgow University’s Rosa Donaldson, competing in only her second marathon, finished in second position in 2:57:01 with Nottingham athlete Carolyn Hay of Redhill Road Runners taking third position in 3:02:20.
Speaking after her victory, Farley was delighted with her performance which was a personal best.
"It felt pretty good during the first half going downhill. The last eight kilometres I was definitely struggling.
"But it was nice to run in cold temperatures which definitely made a difference."
Farley didn't expect the course to have as many inclines as it did, but was always confident she could tackle them with ease on her way to victory.
"I thought it was flatter than that, but after speaking to people I realised there was more incline than I thought.
"The last marathon I did was in Malta and there was quite a bit of elevation there too, so I had something to go by."
Farley was also unaware of her high placing in the national rankings but acknowledged it would be quite an achievement if that was to be recognised.
She said: “There would be nothing better than to be able to represent my country.
"For now I’m just concentrating on my next marathon which will likely be in Malta next February.”
