WATCH: Aberdeen athlete wins River Ness 10k with Inverness Harriers duo from Ardross and Dingwall second and third respectively
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Claire Bruce says winning the women's title at the River Ness 10k was the best moment of her career so far.
The Metro Aberdeen club member led from start to finish, completing the course in a lifetime best of 34:46 to finish ahead of Inverness Harriers duo Catriona Fraser from Ardross in 35:58 and
teenager Caitlyn Heggie fron Dingwall 36:25.
There was little doubt over the outcome as Bruce raced into an early lead which was never challenged.
She said: “I went out fast from the start and I was pretty consistent throughout. I made up a bit of time on the downhills then just kept it going. I didn’t look back, just kept looking forward. This race was definitely a target for me.
I decided not to do an autumn marathon so I could concentrate on speedwork over the summer.
"I got a personal best 5k and now I’ve got a personal best 10k.
"My previous best time was 35:28 so it’s massive personal best. It’s the biggest win I’ve enjoyed and I’m absolutely delighted.
I have competed here before, but that was quite a long time ago.
"I’d not long taken up running and my time was over 40mins.”
Bruce also took some satisfaction from finishing ahead of boyfriend Scott Adams who was timed at 35:39.
"She added: “I’m sure he’ll let me off with getting the better of him.”
Bruce doesn’t plan to take much of a break after this success as she has many other events
to focus on.
She said: “I’ve got a few weeks to prepare for the Scottish trail running championships then I’ll do some cross country before preparing for a Spring marathon, hopefully at London.”
Max Abernethy won the River Ness 10k men's title.
