Jeans dedicates record run to Ritchie

Elgin runner Grant Jeans has dedicated his recordbreaking performance in the John Lucas 50mile race at Strathaven to Lossiemouth’s Don Ritchie who passed away last month.

Mr Ritchie was one of the greatest ultra distance runners, holding numerous world records, and was a source of inspiration to Jeans who won the Scottish 100km title a few years ago.

Jeans said: “I broke my own Strathaven course record by almost four minutes in a time of 5hr 49min 40sec and I would like to dedicate the win to Don.

“I was gutted I couldn’t attend his funeral but I think I can safely say Don would have preferred a course record as a way of me paying my respects.

“I was fortunate enough to know the kind, considerate, generous, family man who was arguably the greatest Scottish sportsman of all time.

“He was a great inspiration and I will always appreciate the time and advice he gave me.”

Jeans was happy with his Strathaven performance but believes it could have been better had it not been for a couple of injuries that affected his preparations.

He said :” Considering the very undulating course and wet weather, my first 40 miles were quite good but the final 10 were abysmal.

“I lost too much training due to a stress fractured right ankle, which I suffered in April, and a tear in my left vastus medialis last month.”

He said: “I am now thinking about doing either the IAU 100K world championships in Croatia or the Winschoten 100km in the Netherlands. Both are on Saturday September 8.”

“Arguably the greatest Scottish sportsman”