Dundee athlete holds off challengers to becomes Inverness Half Marathon champion and Scottish Half Marathon champion
Jamie Crowe edged out of the rest of the competition as he claimed victory in the Inverness Half Marathon by a matter of metres in one of the most exciting races in years.
The Central Athletics Club athlete from Dundee held off the challenge from his nearest competitor as he claimed victory in a time of 65 minutes and 15 seconds.
Maryburgh athlete Sean Chalmers, running for Aberdeen Amateur Athletics Club and winner of last week’s Nairn 10k was in second place just one second behind with Ryan Thomson of Cambuslang Harriers in third place, three seconds behind the winner.
Crowe (29) also became national champion as the event was also hosting the Scottish Half Marathon Championship.
Speaking about winning the Inverness Half Marathon and becoming Scottish champion, he said he always expected a tough challenge from the rest of the field.
He said: “It was a great field with the guys that came up for the Scottish Championships.
“It was quite tactical as I went off really slow, some went off at the front and everyone was looking at each other. It gradually got faster and faster and the last six kilometres was really quick.
“I am not fussed about the time I am just happy with the win against such a strong field.
“I actually think that I went a bit early as I was struggling when I got on the track. I made the break with a one kilometre and proper went for it.”
Chalmers threatened to chase down Crowe in the final 200 metres, but Crowe had enough to take the men’s title.
“I thought I had a bigger gap and my legs were starting to go, so I thought I better take a bit off or I will fall over the line.
“I then heard Sean and Ryan behind me but I still had 200 metres to go.
“I know how important it is to have a Scottish title.
“Winning the Scottish title should never be easy.”
Shaun Cumming (East Sutherland AC) won the North District men’s title when finishing 11 th overall in 1:08:53, with the 2024 champion James Wilson (Moray Road Runners) having to settle for silver while Stuart Gardiner (Highland Hill Runners)
collected the bronze.
In the Inverness 5k, Denis Prikulis won the men’s title with Carolyn Cameron claiming the women’s title.
