Moray runner triumphs again in Speyside Way ultramarathon

Grant Jeans returned to the top of the Speyside Way ultra marathon podium on Saturday.

The 39-year-old, originally from Elgin but now based in Glasgow, was a whopping 35 minutes ahead of the rest of the field in retaining the title he won in 2019 in a time of 4 hours, 12 minutes and 40 seconds.

Jeans, who has run competitively for Scotland over the 100k distance, had to settle for second place in the race both in 2020 and 2021 but went one better this time out.

He reached the finish line at Buckie in a time that was slower that what he clocked last year in finishing second to Englishman Andy Bryce.

Insch Trail Running Club’s Kevin Mottram finished second while Paul Anderson was third, with Moray Road Runners veteran Keith Stewart coming in seventh.

First woman to the finish line in eight overall was Metro Aberdeen athlete Claire Dunn in 5.33.20, just ahead of club colleague Caragh McWhitt.

Deveron Harriers’ Rocky McKay was 33rd, with an overall entry of more than 100 runners.

The event also incorporates a second ultra contested over 101k, starting in Aviemore with the traditional 36.5 mile race beginning at Cragganmore Distillery in Ballindalloch.

The ultra was resurrected in 2010 and was contested throughout the pandemic.

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