Stephen Molloy had a Run Garioch debut to remember as he claimed the half marathon title in Inverurie.
The Grammar Running Club member finished almost a minute and a half ahead of nearest challenge Jonathan Gamble (1.18:49) as he claimed the title.
The feature race started in warm conditions before runners completed the final couple of miles in the rain but Molloy was surprised and delighted to claim the title.
Molloy said: “It went really well. I wasn’t expecting first place or the time I got so I’m chuffed.
“It’s a tough course but very enjoyable. I wanted it to pour the whole way. That would have been ideal to keep my body temperature down as I was trying to hold onto my lead.
“I’ve done most of the local races but this is my first time in this one so it’s nice to tick it off in style.
“It’s one of the biggest running events in the area and it’s nice to have a closed roads event to run in.”
Donaldson retains women’s half-marathon title
In the women’s event Rosa Donaldson of Glasgow University made it back-to-back half marathon wins as she retained her title.
Donaldson was in excellent form as she shaved 10 minutes of her 2022 time with a run of 1.19:15.
The display saw her finish seven minutes ahead of nearest challenger Louise Cartmell of Moray Road Runners and third overall over the distance.
Donaldson said: “It’s nice to come back and win again.
“I’ve been training for the Edinburgh marathon which I’m running in two weeks’ time so this has been a nice warm-up for me.
“The rain came right as we came to Dubston so it was good to cool down.”
Shorter distance but another win for Jason Kelly
Last year’s half-marathon men’s winner Jason Kelly took the 10km title.
Kelly’s time of 34:53 gave him victory over Joe Burr with Kelly’s Metro Aberdeen clubmate Matthew Hodkinson finishing third.
Kelly said: “It’s a tough course. I did enjoy it but there’s a few hills, the wind was blowing a bit and it was hard work.
“It’s a shorter distance than I normally run but I’ve been planning to work on shorter distances over the summer in the hope of running a good 5k time at the end of July.
“I’m just changing it up. I’ve been doing a lot of long distance running the last couple of years and because of that I’ve definitely lost a bit of speed.
“I’ve got a good bit faster and I’m happy with where I’m at the moment.”
Kelly Vine-Jones goes one better than last year
Aberdeen runner Kelly Vine-Jones, who finished runner-up in 2022, returned to take the 2023 title
She surprised herself with her time of 40:34 as she claimed the title ahead of Metro Aberdeen duo Nicola Gauld and Jenny Stanning.
Vine-Jones said: “I didn’t expect to get any better this year so it feels good.
“I had a motorbike alongside me the whole way and I think it spurred me on.
“I haven’t been training the same and didn’t feel as if I would do very well. I haven’t run since Tuesday so I felt I’d missed my chance.
“I’m running the Race for Life for breast cancer research which is one close to my heart.
“I’m racing for someone close to my family who has had it twice and beaten it both times so that will be my motivation for that race.”
New 5k winners crowned
Caleb McGuire (Dandara) went one better than his second place last year as he returned to claim the 5km title ahead of Matthew Dailey.
It was a reversal in the women’s race as defending champion Chloe Gray of Metro Aberdeen had to settle for second place behind clubmate Claire Bruce.
McGuire said: “I was off the front by myself for most of the race so it was nice to lead from the front.
“I’d like to be a bit quicker but it was warm conditions and it’s a tough track.
“I’ve got some track events, 800m and 15 with Aberdeen athletics coming up so I’m looking forward to that over the summer.”
Following the three adult races the junior runners took part in a series of shorter races in the afternoon.
With almost 2,500 runners taking part it is clear Run Garioch, which returned to the calendar last year following the covid pandemic, has been warmly welcomed.
Run Garioch results
McWilliam Lippe Architects Half-marathon
Men – Stephen Molloy (Grammar RC) 1.17:22; Jonathan Gamble (Wasted Potential) 1.18:49; Ross Finlayson (Lasswade AC) 1.19:48.
Women – Rosa Donaldson (Glasgow Uni) 1.19:15; Louise Cartmell (Moray Road Runners) 1.26:22; Zoe Hayward (Moray Road Runners) 1.39:46.
Dandara 10k
Men – Jason Kelly (Metro Aberdeen) 34:53; Joe Burr 35:32; Matthew Hodkinson (Metro Aberdeen) 37:03.
Women – Kelly Vine-Jones 40:34; Nicola Gauld (Metro Aberdeen) 42:06; Jenny Stanning (Metro Aberdeen) 42:57
PMC 5k
Men – Caleb McGuire (Dandara) 16:45; Matthew Dailey (Jog Scotland Kintore) 17:13; Kyle Gibson (AAAC) 17:15.
Women – Claire Bruce (Metro Aberdeen) 18:06; Chloe Gray (Metro Aberdeen) 19:07; Moira Davie (Forres Harriers) 20:11.
CP&Co Junior Run
Category 1 Boys – Leo Milne (Jog Scotland Kintore) 2:54; Tobias Furness 3:03; Jude Milne (Jog Scotland Kintore) 3:03.
Category 1 Girls – Maura Glennie 3:07; Havana Bowie (Young Meldrum Runners) 3:07; Eva Sunley (Chapel Cheetahs) 3:12.
Category 2 Boys – Lawson Bowie (Young Meldrum Runners) 3:59; James Gerrard (Meldrum Runners) 4:00; Bailey Beaton (Young Meldrum Runners) 4:04.
Category 2 Girls – Liley Storey (Young Meldrum Runners) 4:37; Grace Thomson 4:39; Zara Campbell 4:41.
Category 3 Boys – Nathan Thow (Young Meldrum Runners) 7:29; Joe Murray (Young Meldrum Runners) 7:32; Cullen Bowie (Young Meldrum Runners) 7:45.
Category 3 Girls – Hayleigh Reid (Young Meldrum Runners) 7:52; Amelie Wilson (Kintore United U14 Girls) 7:57; Millie Glass Park 8:14.
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