Moray Pryde made history at the 2024 Loch Ness Marathon, becoming the fastest champion ever by setting a new course record while successfully defending his title.
The 29-year-old from Broxburn finished in two hours, 19 minutes, and 26 seconds, breaking the previous record of 2:20:13 held by Kenya’s Simon Tanui since 2009.
In second place was Inverness athlete Shaun Cumming, who clocked in at 2:31:15, while Tom Charles from Chorlton Runners took third with a time of 2:31:58.
Pryde, who won last year’s marathon in 2:22:08 and the Edinburgh Marathon in May, praised the ideal racing conditions and expressed pride in breaking the record, stating he felt confident after establishing a fast pace early on. He noted, “Three of us went out for the first five miles and then someone dropped off. We flew through the first 10 miles, but at mile 14 Tom had dropped off, and then from mile 14 to the finish I didn’t really look behind me. I was chasing a car for 12 miles.”
Reflecting on the race, he added, “I dropped bang where I wanted to be at a sub 2:20 pace and it was squeaky bum time from there until the end to make sure to get some time back. It was a nice feeling on the final straight and everything went to plan.” Regarding his record-breaking run, he remarked, “I thought it was on after 2:22 last year. It was three minutes this time so we will see what we can do next time.”
Cumming, who moved up from third place last year, expressed joy in securing the silver medal. “I didn’t know until the last half mile that I was close to second place,” he said. “He looked like he was flagging and I was in the position to take him. It is nice to be on the podium; I looked around at the start of the race and thought it would be a well-earned place, so to get second I am happy with that.”
Pryde is now gearing up for the Seville Marathon in February.
