Ross runners contenders for success in River Ness 10k in Inverness
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Ross-shire athletes Sean Chalmers and Ross Gollan are considered to be in the running for success at the men's River Ness 10k on Sunday.
Maryburgh athlete Chalmers won the event in 2021 with a time of 30 minutes and 16 seconds and finished third last year behind winnner Lachlan Oates from Shettleston who will defend his title.
Sunday’s race will mark an important step along the comeback trail for Chalmers after a frustrating 12 months on the sidelines.
The Scotland international hasn’t competed since last year's race due to abdominal problems and he will be hoping for a confidence-boosting performance.
Edderton athlete and Great Britain mountain running international Ross Gollan could offer a serious challenge.
The Highland Cross champion , who defended his title this year after winning in 2022, doesn’t often run on the road racing circuit, but showed his capabilities earlier in the year when winning the Forres 10k in a personal best of 30 minutes 58 seconds
Ross County Athletics Club athlete Caitlyn Heggie is set to make her debut at the women's River Ness 10k in Inverness on Sunday.
The Scottish under-17 cross country champion will make her debut after a successful summer track season during which set personal best 1500m and 3000m times.
The Dingwall athlete previously competed in the festival of running in 2021 when she claimed victory in the women’s race of the River Ness 5k fun run.
In the race, she will be up against Jenny Bannerman from Inverness Harriers, who has a remarkable record in the race, having won three times between 2014 and 2018, while achieving a further four podium positions since 2009.
A few weeks ago, she was third in the Scottish 10k championships at Stirling where she recorded 36:35, her quickest time of the year.
Claire Bruce could also prove to be a serious contender for top spot.
The Metro Aberdeen club member has been experimenting with some hill racing this year, but has still shown excellent form on the roads, setting a 5k personal best of 17:04 at Dunfermline in August.
Her best 10k time of 35:28 came at the Valentines 10k in Edinburgh in 2022.
Amy Hudson,silver medallist behind Bannerman in this year’s North District 10k championships at Nairn, is also capable of achieving a podium position, as is veteran JS Kintore athlete Tammy Wilson who won last month’s Nairn Half Marathon.
Teenager Lily Wale, from Colorado has predicted a sub 40 minute time and is considered as a contender to win the race.
