Marathon Round up

It’s been a busy few weeks of the Autumn Marathon season with Harriers travelling all over to smash their goals. Take a wee minute to catch up with some incredible performances.

Speyside Marathon

Lee McLaughlin completed the Dramathon or Speyside Marathon on October 19th finishing in a great time of 4 hours 28 seconds. After a busy few weeks he has immediately signed up for the Devil of the Highlands next year, There is indeed no rest for the wicked.

Loch Ness Marathon 2024

Daniel Doherty and Kev Craig made the trip up the A9 to Inverness to test themselves in what the organisers describe as – “possibly one of the most stunning marathons in the world.” After years of running ultra marathons, Kev was looking forward to taking on his first road marathon, while for Daniel it was marathon number three.

: These titles were not nicked!!!

: Start Line Smiles

The race day weather was calm, dry and surprisingly warm for the time of year. The game plans were discussed , formulated and settled on during the hour long bus journey out to the remote and atmospheric start line near Fort Augustus. Both Harriers had a sub 3 target in mind and set out together to take on the tough and undulating course along the banks of Loch Ness, through stunning Highland scenery, along the south-eastern shores of the Loch to finish in the city.

Kev was running in the Police Sport UK Championship, representing Police Scotland and aiming to compete for the prizes against his national colleagues. The pair worked well together over the early and middle sections of the course, ticking off the miles as the route took them over some Nessie shaped undulations. At around 18 miles, Daniel pushed ahead and both went on separately to tackle the “Devil of Dores”, the famous hill that runners face through miles 19 and 20. Despite starting to feel the pace, Daniel was still on for a significant PB as he went through 23 miles. However, his race came to an abrupt end at mile 25 as he dropped out needing medical assistance. After an extended stay in Inverness at Raigmore hospital Daniel received a clean bill of health. Daniel’s emergency contact details were put to good use, so please remember to fill out your information the back of your race number, just in case.

Unaware of events just up ahead, Kev had been feeling that the wheels were coming off his own race, but he called on his ultra marathon experience and ability to find extra strength when needed. He worked his way over the final hills and ran with real determination through the city streets to the finish in Bught Park, crossing the line in 2:59:12. Not only achieving the elusive sub-3, but in doing so claiming the Police Sport UK Championship v45 silver, and being part of the Scotland team taking the v40 men’s team silver and overall men’s team silver.

These were two great efforts and Kev is adamant that his days on roads are well and truly behind him. Daniel we are sure will be back to race another day and smash the marathon PB that he had within his grasp.

Amsterdam Marathon

David Thomson headed to Amsterdam to compete in his fourth marathon. The race starts and finishes on the running track for the 1928 Olympics. The run takes in some of the city’s southern sights including the Rijksmuseum and Vondelpark, while also heading out and back along the Amstel River into the Dutch countryside. Conditions on the day were pretty perfect for marathon running, but the first 10km was not the easiest with runners penned in on narrow cycle paths. David’s training had been on point, and our newly qualified senior coach definitely practiced what he preached. He completed in a fantastic time of 3.18.50! David’s marathon PBs from spring 2022 has progressed from 3.58, 3.44, 3.31 now 3.18. An incredible development over a relatively short period of time.

David- All done and Dusted

Frankfurt Marathon 2024

: In the Zone

: Smashed it!!!

: Neil looking fresh

Three Harriers found themselves signed up and ready to go after consistent training blocks for the Frankfurt Marathon 2024. Neil Lafferty, Fiona and Sean MacFarlane travelled to the beautiful city of Frankfurt to run the city’s highly regarded marathon. This event is well organised, and the fast and flat course was perfectly set up for PB attempts. Crowds lined the entire route, aid stations offered not only the usual water, but also coke and tea. If that wasn’t enough hospitality, in true German style the odd neighbourhood offered beer along the way, “Prost!” Running his 2nd marathon, Neil Lafferty went out hard but felt great and in control throughout. As the going got tough he stayed focused by repeating mantras to maintain his effort. Neil suffered serious cramp in the last 3 miles and had to really grind it out to the finish. Crossing the line in an unbelievable time of 2:36:07, finishing 138th male and 4th in his v45 age category. This time puts Neil 6th fastest v45 in Scotland for the marathon this year. An outstanding run from Neil, hot on the heels of his qualification for another Scotland Vest, which also earns him qualification for other marathons, including a highly elusive London Marathon Championship spot. (When do you book your flights Neil?)

After a dedicated 14 weeks of training, determined Fiona Macfarlane set out at a steady pace, maintaining this as she worked her way through the stunning German city. Taking in the sights and atmosphere as it pushed her along, Fiona used her experience over the distance to stay focused as she ticked off the distance markers. Fiona faced the ultimate marathon test when she suffered with sickness in the later stages. Despite losing some time, Fiona rose mightily to the challenge, pushing herself to the finish in a phenomenal time of 3:38:45, finishing a respectable 43rd in her age category. Sean Macfarlane was running what he claims is his first and last marathon. However his consistent determination across a number of disciplines ensured he was prepared for the task ahead. Sean didn’t follow a typical marathon training plan, his approach saw him simply try to up his miles and get bit further on longer runs, which he did. Sean’s goal on the streets of Frankfurt was to break the 4-hour barrier. As early as 7 miles in, Sean was having some doubts about his plan, but he stuck to the pace. At around 16 miles, when the going was starting to get really tough, seeing fellow Harriers Ross and Susan Slater and friends cheering him on with Scotland flags gave Sean a huge boost. By mile 20 the physical pain and mental doubt was really kicking in. Sean dug deep for the last 10k. The last mile was hard going as he knew the clock was ticking rapidly towards 4 hours. Sean needn’t have worried, his awesome effort throughout had him cross the line in 3:59:22.

Three incredible performances. Well done and we look forward to seeing what comes next for you all.

Marathon Round up

Speyside Marathon

Loch Ness Marathon 2024

Amsterdam Marathon

Frankfurt Marathon 2024

Other links

Listen