Record Breaking Day at 2024 Inverness Half Marathon

March 10, 2024

Scottish Half Marathon Championships and North District Championships return to Inverness Half Marathon

Thousands of runners hit the Highland capital today, with Mhairi Maclennan from Inverness Harriers setting a new female race record in the Inverness Half Marathon, finishing in 01:11:47. This beats the previous record of 01:11:56 set by Natasha Phillips in 2023.

In the men’s race, the first across the finish line was John Bell from Inverclyde AC in a time of 01:05:34.

For the second consecutive year, the Scottish Half Marathon Championships and North District Championships took place as part of Inverness Half Marathon. Both Mhairi and John are the Scottish Half Marathon Champions for 2024.

Mhairi Maclennan took the triple, also taking the title of North District Champion 2024, alongside James Wilson from Moray Road Runners, who finished in 01:08:58.

As part of an action-packed day, the 5K race was won by Lachlan Thomas from Ross County AC for the second consecutive year in 15:40 and Katie Meek from Inverness Harriers in 18:19.

This year’s event sold-out early, with 4,240 people signing up: 2,940 for the Half Marathon and a record 1,300 for the 5K. 42% of 5K entries came from schools, sports clubs and youth groups from across the Highlands. Ages of runners ranged from aged one in the 5K to aged 80 in the Half Marathon. Former 800m World Champion Tom McKean was the official race starter for the Inverness Half Marathon before taking part in the event himself.

This year, runners received commemorative biscuits reflecting the medal design with the event logo, made by local baker Harry Gow after the event’s shipment of medals was delayed due to conflict in the Red Sea. The official medals and finisher T-shirts will be posted out to participants as soon as possible following the event.

“From elite athletes to young stars in the making, it was great to see runners of all ages and experience taking part in the Inverness Half Marathon and 5K today,” commented Malcolm Sutherland, Event Director of Inverness Half Marathon and 5K.

“Having the Scottish Half Marathon Championships and North District Championships as part of the event again this year is an honour for us. I’d like to thank everyone who made the event possible; from our amazing team and hundreds of volunteers to our sponsors and partners, and the local communities along the route who cheered our runners on. And, of course, a huge thank you to Harry Gow for creating our special medal-style biscuits for this year’s event. It was fantastic to see our runners cross the finish line and celebrate their sweet success!”

Mike Johnston, convenor of the scottishathletics Road Running and Cross Country Commission, said: “Congratulations to everyone who took part in this year’s event and to all the winners. We’d like to thank Inverness Half Marathon for hosting the Scottish Half Marathon Championships and North District Championships again – it has been great to see our elite and club runners test themselves on the Inverness course and compare to last year. Whether you were one of the runners taking part, a coach or spectator, I hope you all had a great day.”

Inverness Half Marathon and 5K is an important fundraising event, raising tens of thousands of pounds annually for charities, including this year’s official charities SAMH, Alzheimer Scotland, Highland Hospice, Centred, New Start Highland and Mikeysline.

Provost of Inverness, Councillor Glynis Sinclair presented the winners of Inverness Half Marathon at a prize-giving following the event. She said: “Congratulations to the winners! It’s a pleasure to celebrate your achievements with you and to see so many people in our wonderful city. It’s impossible not to be inspired by your achievements – well done to you all.”

The 2025 Inverness Half Marathon and 5K takes place on 9^th March 2025 and early-bird entry is now open at: www.invernesshalfmarathon.co.uk