By Fraser Clyne
Jamie Crowe claimed his first Scottish Half Marathon title after storming to an impressive victory in one most competitive races in the 40 year history of the Inverness Half event.
Edinburgh AC athlete Nancy Scott followed up her National XC silver medal with gold in the women’s race.
The men’s outcome was in doubt throughout as a large group of runners forced the pace in the Highland capital. But with less than one kilometre remaining, Crowe unleashed a devastating surge which gave him the breathing space he craved.
However, Jamie wasn’t able to relax until the finish line was reached, with the fast finishing Sean Chalmers (Aberdeen AAC) and Ryan Thomson (Cambuslang Harriers) chasing him every step of the way..
Crowe was clocked at 65:19 with Chalmers just one second behind and Thomson a further two seconds further back in third position. The next four runners all broke the 66min barrier with Taha Ghafari (Shettleston Harriers) finishing fourth in 65:39 and Eddie Narbett (Carnethy) fifth.
There has never previously been such a depth of quality since the race was first held in 1985.
‘It was a great field but it quite tactical for a long way as there was a big group which went off relatively slowly,’ said Jamie.
‘We gradually went faster and faster, but with 6k to go there was still about six of us in contention.
‘When I made my move, about 1k from the end, I wanted it to be decisive. But I actually think I went a bit too early because when we came onto the track at the finish I thought I had a bigger gap and I felt my legs beginning to go. I could hear Sean and Ryan right behind me! Fortunately, I had a little bit left.’
It was the 29 year-old Central AC runner’s first national half marathon victory but has three National XC titles to his name, as well as striking gold in the national 5k and 10k road championships and the national 5000m track championships.
‘I’ve been brought up in the sport to appreciate how important a Scottish title is,’ he added.
‘So I’m pleased to get the win today, against such a good field, and especially after a disappointing run at Falkirk last month.’
Taha Ghafari took some consolation from missing out on an individual medal by leading Shettleston Harriers to team gold with backing from Ross Good (67:58) and Jonathan Moore (69:05).
Shaun Cumming (East Sutherland AC) won the North District men’s title when finishing 11th overall in 68:53, with the 2024 champion James Wilson (Moray Road Runners) having to settle for silver while Stuart Gardiner (Highland Hill Runners) collected the bronze.
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Photo by Paul Campbell
Nancy Scott was in commanding form as she collected the Scottish women’s title with an assured performance which came after a busy spell of racing over the past month.
The 25 year-old Edinburgh AC runner stopped the clock at 73:24 to finish ahead of GB and NI mountain running international Naomi Lang (Carnethy), who set a personal best 74:46, while Brogan Wallace (Shettleston Harriers) was the surprise package, slashing four minutes off her previous best to take bronze in 75:01.
Scott, who set here PB at 72:51 at the Barcelona half marathon in mid-February, before finishing second in the National XC at Falkirk the following week, showed few signs of fatigue as she eased to victory.
‘I am happy with my time as I expected to be a bit slower and I was glad to be able to finish strongly,’ said Nancy.
‘I took it quite conservatively early on as I knew the hills were coming, but they actually weren’t too bad. I just didn’t want to go too fast in case I blew up.
‘I didn’t really know how close behind Naomi was, but from about 10 miles onwards I pushed along with a guy I was able to run with. Overall, I’m delighted. I’m going to take a bit of a break from racing and my next big target will be the Scottish 5k at Silverknowes in May.’
Scott picked up a second gold by leading her club to the national team title with backing from Kirsty Walker who finished fourth in 75:31 on her debut at this distance, while Lucy Naga completed the scoring when finishing 25th in 86:02.
Catriona Fraser (Inverness Harriers) won the North District title in 81:56 when placing 11th overall. Kirstie Rogan (Highland Hill Runners) was second in 84:28 while Muriel Macleod won the over-40s title in 85:20.
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