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Thousands of smiling runners cross the finish line at Baxters Loch Ness Marathon

A couple have celebrated their shared love of running by getting married hours after completing the Loch Ness Marathon.

Thousands of runners crossed the finish line yesterday after months of training, with participants from as far afield as Australia, Brazil, Canada, South Africa and Hong Kong.

But for one Lossiemouth couple, the day was particularly special.

Chris Cull, 49, and Sarah Grigor, 47, shared a kiss after crossing the finish line together in a time of four and a half hours.

And just a couple of hours later, they tied the knot overlooking that exact same spot.

About 20 friends and family completed the race with the happy couple before getting changed into their finest clothes for the ceremony at Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel.

It was a double celebration for fitness instructor Sarah as the Loch Ness race was her 100th marathon, and the first where she was accompanied by her daughter Bethany Hume, 18.

The bride wore the number 100 on the course and was presented with a special medal and cake at the finish before she got changed into her wedding dress.

Mr Cull has been aiming to align the two events since proposing two years ago.

He said: “Sarah always wanted the Loch Ness Marathon to be her 100th and we thought there would be enough time to get married straight after it.

“We have so many runner friends doing the race too it just seemed obvious.”

Organisers say the atmosphere was “electric” yesterday as about 8,000 competitors took on either the marathon, along the southern banks of Loch Ness, or the 10k, 5k and Wee Nessie events, finishing up at the Event Village in the city’s Bught Park.

Race director Malcolm Sutherland said: “We are delighted to have once more welcomed thousands of runners to the Highlands for a weekend of unparalleled Scottish running.

“The atmosphere in the event village and out on the course has been electric, and the smiles on all the participants’ faces as they cross the finish line makes everything worthwhile.

“Every year, we are bowled over by the support of the local community and the volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure the event run smoothly. We and the participants owe them a debt of gratitude for ensuring everyone had the best possible day.”

Audrey Baxter, executive chairman and group chief executive officer of Baxters Food Group, said: “Congratulations to everybody who took part in the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running.

“Baxters is delighted to continue to support this fantastic and inclusive event which encourages and celebrates the achievements of runners of all abilities.

“Every year this event proves itself to be the highlight of the Scottish sporting calendar, a great day for running, and a great day for the community. Hope to see you all again next year.”

Christina Brockmann-More, fundraising manager at Macmillan, said: “Everyone at Macmillan would like to say a massive thank you to all the runners who supported us at the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running.

“We’re thrilled that once all donations are collected we look set to break our £75,000 fundraising target to help people living with cancer.”