THE winner of the Scottish 10K has vowed to return and defend the title next year.
Course record holder Peter Avent was again the first over the line having won the race last year.
The Shettleston Harriers member stopped the clock at 31.16 as he crossed the finishing line at Musselburgh Racecourse.
He was closely followed by Fraser Brown, with Jonas Mueller, of Edinburgh University Hare & Hounds, taking the third podium spot.
After the race, Peter said: “Running conditions were great on the way out, I’m just coming back into a bit of fitness so it was good to cross the line first.
“I live really close by the racecourse so I’ll definitely be back to defend my title next year!"
The first female home in the Scottish 10K was Natalie Wangler, of Edinburgh University Hare & Hounds, who raced home in a time of 37.07.
Erika Budge, Orkney AC, and Jess Tovey were second and third.
Natalie said: “It was very nice to run here.
“This is my third time doing the 10K because I really like to run on the coast.
“I will definitely try and do the event again next year!”
The Scottish 10K had set off from Meadowmill Sports Centre at 9am before the Scottish Half Marathon started two hours later.
Runners made their way to Longniddry and on to Gosford House before turning and following the coast back to the finish line in Musselburgh.
A keenly fought battle unfolded at the sharp end of the field, with Calum Phillip, of Central Athletics Club, eventually pulling ahead to take the win in a time of 1:07.50.
He was chased home by Gregor Yates, Inverclyde AC, and Ewan Cameron, Edinburgh AC, in third.
The first female home in the Scottish Half Marathon, setting a new course record, was Sara Green, of Gala Harriers, in a record time of 1:18.22.
Nicola Macdonald, of Metro Aberdeen RC, and Katie Phillips, of Central Athletics Club, made up the top three.
Further down the field were some incredible stories from runners raising valuable funds for a variety of charities.
More than £250,000 was raised for over 300 charities, led by the event’s official charity Cancer Research UK, and its two premier charities; Mental Health Foundation and Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity.
Neil Kilgour, race director, congratulated everyone who reached the finish line.
He said: “It’s truly inspiring to watch the determination and strength that each participant demonstrates by placing themselves on the start line and beginning their personal challenge, whether it be to fundraise and raise awareness for a particular cause that has touched their lives or to try something new or gain a PB.
“With the promise of a beautifully flat route, this event continues to inspire and challenge both seasoned athletes and those who are new to running and we are proud and excited to provide an environment where all participants have the potential to perform to their very best of their ability.
“We want to particularly thank the local communities of East Lothian for their support of all the runners along the route today and for those on the Event Team who have given their time and enthusiasm to support and keep the participants safe as they completed their very personal journey today.”
More information and full results are available via www.scottishhalfmarathon.com and www.scottish10k.com
Entries are already open for next year’s event, which will take place on September 24.
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