Scottish runner finishes ultra-marathon two hours ahead of competitors

In a remarkable feat of endurance, Scottish ultra-runner Anna Rutherford astounded spectators by finishing the 100-mile Rat Race from Bamburgh Castle to Edinburgh Castle long before any other competitor. Completing the grueling race in just 17 hours and 23 minutes, Anna crossed the finish line more than two hours ahead of the closest male runner. Her incredible performance left her with plenty of time to return home to Peebles, guided by her parents, while the rest of the field arrived in the early hours of Sunday.

Hailing from Milngavie near Glasgow, Anna embarked on the race at 7:00 am on Saturday and triumphantly reached the Ross Bandstand in Edinburgh’s Princes Street Gardens just after midnight on Sunday. The picturesque route meandered along the east coast through Berwickshire, the Borders, and East Lothian, presenting a breathtaking backdrop for Anna’s extraordinary achievement.

During the race, Anna serenaded herself with Dolly Parton’s classic “9 to 5” to keep up her spirits and even paused to offer assistance to a man lying on a golf course. Her tremendous effort paid off as she managed to overtake the leading male runner halfway through the race, causing her to complete the last 50 miles of the race entirely on her own, finishing well ahead of her competitors.

Reflecting on her success, Anna acknowledged the intense training regimen she underwent to prepare for the race, pushing herself to run about 120 miles per week at the peak of her training. Despite facing challenges such as headaches and fainting spells that prompted a hospital visit, her determination and commitment propelled her to victory.

Exceptional feats of endurance are not new to Anna, who previously shattered the women’s record for running the Southern Upland Way in 2021. Drawing inspiration from ultra-running icon Jasmine Paris, Anna’s resolute mindset and strategic nutrition choices, including a mix of stock powders, pretzels, gels, and hydration, propelled her to victory in the Rat Race. Anna’s remarkable performance not only underscores her exceptional athletic prowess but also serves as a testament to the resilience and strength of women in endurance sports

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