Inverness Harriers athlete claims victory at Scottish Masters Cross Country Championship in Dundee in what she says is the biggest win of her career
HELEN Leigh claimed the biggest win of her athletics career as she took victory at the Scottish Masters Cross Country Championships in Dundee.
Making her debut in the competition, the 40-year-old Inverness Harriers athlete proved too good for the rest of the field as she won the race by six seconds.
The firefighter completed the course in a time of 24 minutes and 34 seconds. She was six seconds ahead of Sara Green of Gala Harriers in 24:40 with Michelle Sandison of Springburn Harriers in third place in 24:57.
It was another impressive performance from Leigh, who followed up her victory from being crowned North Cross Country League champion earlier this month.
Claiming a national title for the first time, Leigh says Saturday was the biggest win of her athletics career so far.
“It was good to tick this one off,” she said.
“I had a plan to sit in during the first lap as I had not raced most of these girls before. Some of the girls were really fast and I was not taking for granted that I could win.
“But I was quietly confident on the first lap and I was sussing them all out. I thought to myself during the race that I could probably do this.
“In the second lap, I went away and created a gap. I felt good and always felt that I had another gear I could step up to. I felt that I had a little bit left which was a nice feeling.
“This is the biggest win of my career. I have never won a national title before, so to now have one is amazing.”
Leigh was an accomplished athlete in track and cross country running at junior level before switching sports to rowing.
She then returned to triathlon and hill running which she has been doing for the last decade.
Originally from Blackburn in Lancashire, Leigh moved to the Highlands two years ago where she lives in Dingwall and joined Inverness Harriers where she is coached by Ross Cairns.
Leigh is now preparing for the Scottish National Cross Country Championships in Falkirk on Saturday, February 22.
She is looking to carry on her good form which has seen her pick up impressive wins at the Scottish Masters as well as the North Cross Country Championships.
“I am looking forward to competing at the Scottish Championships just to see where I land against athletes of all ages,” she said.
“I finished in 11th place at the Inter District Championships, which is on par with the Scottish Championships.
“I have had some great training sessions which has given me a lot of confidence.”