Women's champion becomes hat trick heroine at Loch Ness Marathon in Inverness
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Megan Crawford claimed a hat trick of Loch Ness Marathon titles as she claimed victory again in Inverness.
The Fife Athletics Club runner won the women's race for the third time in her career as she crossed the line in two hours 48 minutes and 12 seconds.
The 32-year-old was over three minutes ahead of fellow Fife Athletics Club athlete and 2018 champion Sheena Logan who finished second in 2:51.30 with Musselburgh runner Shona McIntosh third 2:52.00
The technical teacher from Glasgow says she didn't expect to be in contention to win the race but was delighted to come out on top.
"I wasn't expecting much today, I just thought i'd lace up the trainers, try and stick with the fast ladies and if it goes my way, it goes my way," she said.
"I had some troubles up to half way and I could see Shona was quite a chunk ahead of me.
"But I just kept picking off and we hit the dreaded hill at 19 miles, as I passed Shona she said to me I knew you'd come back to bite me.
"I then stuck to Sheena as much as I could and then thought there was no point hanging behind people and go for it.
"Sheena was at 21 miles when it became downhill and I thought I am going to go for it
"In those positions you don't want to be looking back.
"I was here for the experience as it is a great race and i'm glad I did it."
Crawford competed in her first marathon since lockdown and she said taking part in the race had been an aim for the last 18 months.
"This was a target as an autumn marathon was definitely on my brain," she said.
"London Marathon was on the same day, but maybe I am biased because i've won Loch Ness a few times, but i'd rather run in the hills and the scenery."
