Jeans strolls ahead of field to retain Speyside Way ultra title
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
FORMER Elgin runner Grant Jeans returned north to victory as he successfully defended his Speyside Way ultramarathon title.
Jeans, who is now based in Glasgow, added the 2023 50k crown to the wins he earned in 2019 and last year.
He won in some style, 15 minutes ahead of the field, taking the tape in 3.48.45, ahead of second placed Grant MacKellar in 4.03.00. In third with a time of 4.19.28 was Daniel Arbide.
The first woman to cross the line was Isabella Sheldon of West End Road Runners in 4.43.11 ahead of Sarah Milne (4.47.29) and JSK's Chloe Robertson (4.48.35).
There was a slight tweak to the format this year with the race getting under starter's orders at Tamdhu distillery near Knockando, knocking three miles off the previous 35-mile distance in order to make it a 50k race. The finish line remained as before in Buckie.
Celebrating his victory, Jeans said: "I'm delighted to have been able to defend it although I think it was a bit of a slow time.
"The weather turned out quite nice after the rain earlier on. I had a rain jacket on so I was roasting and sweating but rather than stop, take the jacket off and carry it I just left it on and kept going.
"It was good weather for running, the rain wasn't too heavy.
"The change in distance wasn't really something I noticed, it's basically the same course except you're starting a bit further down the line.
"Hopefully, I'll be back next year to defend the title and maybe do it in a much faster time. I fancy doing all of the Moray Way ultras in a calendar year although it would be very difficult to win all of them. It's five races crammed into a very short space of time.
"I'd like to thank my dad for giving me a lift here and supporting me and also Kyle [Grieg, race organiser] and Debbie for their organisation, which has been fantastic, as well as all the volunteers – without them, there's no race.
"I'd highly encourage people to come along and try this race."
Greig said he was delighted to see Jeans return and successfully retain his title.
He continued: "Grant's been one of the top ultras [runners] in Scotland for a long time now and it's great to have him here to defend his title.
"He's a great all-round guy, really good to see him win.
"The race format makes it a standardised 50k rather than 35 miles; we want to try and make sure it's not as big a step up in distance for people to an ultra. It makes it more accessible.
"Tamdhu have been brilliant and very receptive, it's a lovely site. Windswept beer has been a great sponsor as have Active Root for the hydration.
"The course wasn't too heavy despite the rain. It was wet at first but by the time it got to around 10.30am-11am it started to brighten up. It's been ideal conditions for running."
The 100k race, which was brought in three years ago, got under way at Aviemore, with the first across the line being John Campbell in a time of 11.55.33. He was almost 20 minutes ahead of runner-up Paul Nash (12.14.28), with Craig Fletcher claiming third in 12.21.31.
The first woman to take the tape was Catriona Clarke in 15.01.35.
In all around 20 runners contested the 100k race, with 90 doing so in the 50k.
For more information on the Moray Way Ultras, visit https://www.moraywayultras.com/
