An Inverness charity boss may have buzzed his way to a world record – by running a half marathon dressed as a giant bee.
Kenny Steele, chief executive of Highland Hospice, completed the Inverness Half Marathon in 1,37.03 wearing a “Bobby the Bee” suit.
If verified, his time would break the record for the fastest over the distance by a mascot.
And remarkably he would share it with Glasgow runner Frank Gilroy, who ran dressed as Harvey the Heart, mascot of the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice.
The two costumed runners crossed the line side-by-side and now face a wait of several weeks for their time to be verified by Guinness World Records.
Mr Gilroy, 51, already holds the record for the fastest marathon time by a mascot.
Mr Steele, 47, a member of Inverness Harriers said: “Taking part in the half marathon as Bobby the Bee has been a completely new challenge for me.
“I’ve been overwhelmed by the support for Bobby and our fundraising efforts and it’s a great bonus that we may have made it into the charity books.
“I would like to pay thanks to everyone who has sponsored a runner today.”
The previous world record time was by Jefferson the Dog, who completed the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon in 1.46.27 in 2011.
In total, a field of 1,820 runners took to the streets of Inverness, a record entry for the race.
Spectators lined the route, which started from Bught Park and continued on to roads in the south of the Highland capital
First to cross the finish line at Queens Park Stadium was Tewelderberhan Mengisteab of Shettleston Harriers in a time of 01.06.48.
The first woman home was Shona Mcintosh of Hunters Bog Trotters who finished in 01.16.45.
Race director Malcolm Sutherland said: “To have a world record set at our event is a dream come true, and congratulations to both Kenny and Frank for a great effort.
“They have both done a great job in putting the spotlight on their respective hospices.
“Their achievement, along with the record number of people entering, just goes to underline how events like these are for everyone, whether they are among the elite athletes or taking part in their first race.
“It was great to see so many happy faces crossing the finish line.”