Morag Tackles First Marathon at 74

At 70-years-old, most people would be enjoying their retirement and a slower pace of life. However, for Morag Ellery this was the age she took up running for the very first time and, incredibly, at the age of 74, she is about to embark upon her first marathon.

Morag’s journey to the 2021 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon began in 2017 when her daughter Bryony started parkrun in Montrose, alongside other running enthusiasts. Morag was curious about it and volunteered to be the tail walker at the group’s inaugural event. After this, Morag tried some jogging along the farm tracks where she lives: “I was puffing and panting from one electricity pole to the next,” she says.

Morag’s daughter suggested she download the Couch to 5K app. Surprised at how much she enjoyed it, Morag then joined the Montrose parkrun group.

Morag continues: “From then I was hooked having never run before in all my 70 years!

“The Baxters Loch Ness Marathon will be my first marathon. I chose Loch Ness as I used to holiday there as a child, visiting my aunt and uncle. It’s a lovely scenic route and will bring back lots of happy memories.

“I haven’t set myself a goal time for finishing as I want to enjoy the experience. Perhaps between five and six hours if the weather is favourable an

d my legs keep functioning!

“If I complete the Loch Ness Marathon in a decent time, I may even consider trying for a place at the London Marathon! In the meantime, I’ll continue with 10Ks and half marathons. I had a great time at the Braemar Half Marathon a few weeks ago and managed to finish it in 2:10:54.”

Morag’s preparation for the marathon continued over lockdown, running on the farm tracks near her home: “I never get bored on my runs. It’s so lovely being out in the fresh air and just putting one foot in front of the other whatever the speed.

“If you had asked me to run 10 years ago, I would have laughed! Never did I think I would be running at any distance, let alone a marathon. To others my age thinking of giving running a try, I would say just get out there and do it – you never know what you are capable of until you try!”

Good luck to Morag for her first marathon!

If you’re inspired by Morag, why not sign-up to the Baxters River Ness 5K? Entry is available on a first come, first served basis, subject to race capacity, at Registration on Saturday and Sunday.