Fresh feats to tackle while isolated

Lockdown has put a halt to all athletics competitions, but rather than be despondent about the situation, many runners have taken the opportunity to broaden their horizons and experiment with new challenges.

Scotland international Jenny Bannerman and her partner Stephen Mackay, both members of Inverness Harriers, are among those who decided to embrace the situation by attempting things they might never previously have contemplated.

Bannerman, who has represented Scotland in 10km, 10-mile and half marathon events, tested her speed by taking part in her club’s “cheat mile”, but she and Stephen also put themselves to the test by tackling a rare run to the top of Craig Dunain, close to where they live in Inverness.

The terrain was somewhat different to what they are used to. Middle distance runner Mackay is at his happiest running 800m or 1,500m around a smooth, flat athletics track, while Bannerman takes comfort from having solid tarmac under her feet.

Mackay said: “It was a spur of the moment decision. I suggested to Jenny that we should run to the mast at the top of Craig Dunain. I just fancied doing it as I’d never actually been up there before.

“For Inverness runners, going up to the mast has been a bit of a pilgrimage over the years.”

Bannerman added: “I used to run on the trails around Craig Dunain years ago when I did cross country, but I haven’t been to the top since New Year’s Day 2011 and after that I said I’d never go up again.

“It’s a 600ft climb and my legs were burning.”