Dinknesh Mekash Tefera sets new course record for women’s race!
Record entry and new attractions at Festival of Running proves an exciting weekend for runners and spectators!
ETHIOPIAN, Tomas Abyu, of Salford Harriers, won the 2010 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon today (Sunday 3 October), with a time of 2 hours 20 minutes and 50 seconds.
In a year when faster times were expected due to an amended course, Tomas Abyu finished a clear five minutes ahead of the nearest runner.
Runner-up was Joseph Mbithi, of Birchfield Harriers (2:25:50), and in third place was David Simpson, of Corstorphine AAC (2:26:16).
Dinknesh Mekash Tefera of Ethiopia set a new record of 2 hours 46 minutes and 39 seconds for the women’s Baxters Loch Ness Marathon course on her first visit to the UK. Crossing the finish line in second place was Clare Prosser (3:05:39) and third was Lin Lascelles (3:05:56).
Tomas Abyu, winner of the 2010 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon, said: “I had a very good run. It was raining for the first half of the race which made the run harder. In the last ten miles I ran faster and managed to break away from the rest of the field. I want to come back next year!”
Female winner, Dinknesh Mekash Tefera, on her first visit to the UK from the village of Ethiopian town of Bekoji, said: “I enjoyed running through the beautiful countryside and am very happy to have achieved a new course record.”
Winner of the Baxters River Ness 10K was Artur Kern of Poland with a time of 29:42. Second was Andrew Douglas of Inverclyde Athletic Club with a time of 30:28, and third was last year’s winner Lukas Wambua of Kenya (31:04).
First woman home in the Baxters River Ness 10K was course record holder Cathy Mutwa of Kenya with a time of 34 minutes and 46 seconds. Second was Melissa Whyte of Inverness (36:06) and third was Malene Munkholm (37:03).
The fastest team home in the 10K Corporate Challenge was Marathon Sport 1 of Denmark in a cumulative time of 2:21:32.
The 2010 GORE RUNNING WEARTM Runners Club Award (for the fastest running club member) was awarded to Tomas Abyu.
The HSPC Gerald Cooper Memorial Cup and a donation of £1,000 to the charity of their choice, awarded to the first person resident in the Highland area to cross the finish line in the Marathon, was won by Hugh Campbell of Isle of Skye.
Over 8,600 runners from 41 countries entered this weekend’s Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running, perhaps the UK’s most scenic marathon.
In a new development for 2010, runners crossed the finish line in the new event village in a stunning location adjacent to the River Ness at Bught Park.
A corresponding move in the start-line at Whitebridge on the south-side of Loch Ness ensured a faster start for the marathon, and brought about faster times overall.
The mild, damp start to the day didn’t dampen the runners’ enthusiasm for an event which welcomes participants of all ages and abilities to the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon, River Ness 10K, 10k Corporate Challenge, River Ness 5k, and, new for this year, the Wee Nessie.
Audrey Baxter, chai of Baxters Food Group, said: “Baxters has been involved in the Loch Ness Marathon since the race began in 2002 and we are proud to be title sponsors for the ninth year running.
“During this time, the festival has gone from strength to strength, and this year we hope it will have the greatest turn out of runners yet.
“With healthy eating and fitness going hand in hand, Baxters is proud to sponsor this high profile event which promotes an active lifestyle and a healthy balanced diet.
“Well done to everyone who took part today and a special thanks to everyone who supported the event by raising cash for charity through today’s event.”
Convener of The Highland Council, Councillor Sandy Park, said: “I am pleased that so many runners, supporters, families and friends travelled to the Highland capital today to enjoy the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running.
“The combination of stunning Highland scenery, including spectacular Loch Ness, and the opportunity to be part of this world-class event has attracted a record number of entries and spectators to this year’s event and I congratulate each and every one of today’s participants on their run.”
Paul Bush OBE, chief operating officer at EventScotland, the national events agency, said: “Year on year, the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon continues to set the benchmark for running festivals throughout the country.
“With over 8,000 runners participating, beautiful scenery and a host of new attractions, the 2010 edition proved no exception. Showcasing the very best of Scotland’s natural assets, it is a great example of why Scotland is the perfect stage for events.”
Malcolm Sutherland, of Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running, said: “The Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running’s reputation as one of the most friendly and most scenic marathons has helped to attract a growing number of runners from all corners of the globe and we are delighted to welcome everyone to the Highlands for the event.
“This year, the Baxters Highland Food and Drink Fayre and the first Wee Nessie for pre-school age children have added a special attraction for families and friends coming along to cheer on the runners.
“We look forward to welcoming you all back to Inverness again in the future.”
Runners participating in last year’s event generated over £660,000 for charity, and brought benefit of over £2,178,066 to the local area.
Runners and spectators at this year’s Festival celebrated Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink through the addition of the Baxters Highland Food and Drink Fayre in the Bught Park.
Hot garlic bread, steaming bowls of delicious soup, roasting pig, local venison, salmon on bagels and locally brewed beer, and cooking demonstrations by Baxters head chef, David King, were just some of the treats on offer for spectator and runners alike.
A packed programme of activities and entertainment throughout the day featured live music from Feis Rois, pipes and drums, Highland dancing display, climbing wall, bouncy castles and face painting, as well as charity and sports retailer stands.
For the first time this year, younger participants were invited to join the Wee Nessie. Pre-school age children will be able to toddle, walk or jog their own monster race, accompanied by a parent or carer, around a short circuit of approx. 400m in the Bught Park.
For further information on all aspects of the event visit www.lochnessmarathon.com.
RESULTS: BAXTERS LOCH NESS MARATHON & FESTIVAL OF RUNNING, SUNDAY 3 OCTOBER
Men:
1: Tomas Abyu, Salford Harriers (2:20:50)
2: Joseph Mbithi, Birchfield Harriers (2:25:50)
3: David Simpson, Corstorphine AAC (2:26:16)
4: Chris Wilson, Ron Hill Cambuslang Harriers (2:28:12)
5: Stuart Kerr, Kirkintilloch Olympians (2:30:01)
6: Hugh Campbell, Bellahouston Road Runners (2:30:13)
7: John Herbert, Peterborough (2:31:09)
8: Russell Maddams, Horwich RMI (2:31:55)
9: Benjamin Melby, Garscube Harriers (2:33:04)
10: Patryk Gierjatowicz, Edinburgh University Hare & Hounds (2:34:11)
Men over 40: 1: John Herbert, Peterborough (2:31:09)
Men Over 50: 1: Ian James, Malpas (2:51:13)
Men Over 60: 1: Raymond Hall, Halifax Harriers (3:07:49)
Women:
1: Dinknesh Mekash Tefera, Ethiopia (2:46:39)
2: Clare Prosser, Wells City Harriers (3:05:39)
3: Lin Lascelles, Dorchester (3:05:56)
4: Sarah Ridgway, Caernafon (3:05:57)
5: Diane Munro, London (3:06:18)
6: Roxanne Bannerman, Highland Hill Runners (3:10:10)
7: Jane Purchase, Donacaster AC (3:11:48)
8: Jill Smylie, Giffnock North AAC (3:11:49)
9: Lynne Murray, Lothian Running Club (3:13:58)
10: Erica Christie, Bellahouston Harriers (3:14:53)
Women over 35: 1: Elspeth Jenkins, Moray Road Runners (3:19:41)
Women Over 45: 1: Jane Purchase, Doncaster AC (3:11:48)
Women Over 55: 1: Sue Haslam, Scarborough AC (3:15:35)
GORE RUNNING WEAR™ Runners Club Award 2009 (for fastest running club member male): Tomas Abyu, Salford Harriers.
GORE RUNNING WEAR™ Runners Club Award 2009 (for fastest running club member female): Clare Prosser, Wells City Harriers.
HSPC Gerald Cooper Memorial Cup (for first person resident in the Highland area): Hugh Campbell, Isle of Skye
Baxters River Ness 10K
Men:
1: Artur Kern, Barrie Roadrunners (29:42)
2: Andrew Douglas, Inverclyde Athletic Club (30:28)
3: Lukas Wambua, Birchfield Harriers (31.04)
4: Niku Millott, Aberdeen (33:40)
5: Henrik Jørgensen, Denmark (33:46)
6: Karl Simpson, Shetland (34:03)
7: Andrew Brown, Edinburgh (34:23)
8: Darren Thom, Aberdeen (34:27)
9: Graeme Stewart, Dundee (34:32)
10: Andrew Durham, Dunfermline (34:37)
Men Over 40: 1: Poul Grenaa (34:47)
Men Over 50: 1: Peter Kadobinskyj, Edinburgh (36:37)
Men Over 60: 1: Alex Sutherland, Errogie (38:48)
Women
1: Cathy Mutwa, Birchfield Harriers (34:46)
2: Melissa Whyte, Inverness (36:06)
3: Malene Munkholm (37:03)
4: Philippa Maddams, Workington (37:29)
5: Jenny Bannerman, Inverness (37:43)
6: Emma Dunnett, Thurso (38:10)
7: Arlene Bristow, Shetland (38:26)
8: Laura Ross, Nairn (38:35)
9: Ruth Joss, Glasgow (38:47)
10: Jo Kirby, Edinburgh (39:43)
Women over 35: 1: Philippa Maddams, Workington (37:29)
Women Over 45: 1: Sue Spong, Elm Park (42:15)
Women Over 55: 1: Marion Lindsay, Aberdeenshire (44:32)
10K Corporate Challenge
Fastest Overall Team and Fastest Private Sector Team: Marathon Sport 1 Denmark, cumulative time 2:21:32.
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