Moray Pryde wins Loch Ness Marathon for the first time in Inverness

MORAY Pryde was crowned king of the Loch Ness Marathon as he claimed the title for the first time in his career.

The Broxburn athlete put in a late surge to win the race at his third attempt in a personal best time of two hours, 22 minutes and eight seconds.

Early race leader Tom Charles from Manchester lost his advantage with four miles remaining as he had to settle for second place in 2:24:05.

Highland Hill Runners athlete Shaun Cumming, who was aiming to become the first runner from Inverness to win the event, put in a brave effort as he finished third for the second year running in 2:30:35.

Pryde (28) put in a tremendous run to break his previous personal best by nine minutes.

He says taking running more seriously and joining up with a club has resulted in a dramatically improved performance.

"My previous best was a 2:31 down in London," said Pryde.

"I have been with Lothian Running Club for nine months now and I have to give credit to my coach for speeding me up.

"My first proper Loch Ness Marathon was back in 2019 and i've done it three times, and now i've managed to take nine minutes off last year.

"That is down to running every day and actually training instead of doing it casually."

Pryde thought early race leader Charles had victory in the bag, but said once he saw him in his sights, was always confident he could catch him.

However, he didn't think he was going to finish the marathon as champion.

Speaking about his chances before the race, he said: "It depends who was running ,I was looking to be in top five, it is nice to be better than you expect.

"With four miles left, I started to take over people on the hills, the guy who finished second was leading up to 22 miles and I took over at 22 and a half.

"It was my sixth marathon, you forget how hilly it is until you run it as your pace is all over the place and it is it is hard to be on track. One wee incline or dip can kill your pace off ."

Pryde says he now targeting running in the London Marathon in April and aiming to break a specific time.

"I'm going to do London again, sub 2:20 is the goal and I need to find two minutes."

Melissah Gibson claimed victory in the women's race in what was the 90th marathon race of her career.

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