Moray Coastal Trail 50 ultramarathon debuts in style
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A NEW Moray ultramarathon debuted in style after attracting a strong field of runners.
The Moray Coastal Trail 50 got under way at Grant Park in Forres and took runners on a route through Findhorn, Burghead, Hopeman Lossiemouth, Buckie, Spey Bay and Findochty before finishing in Cullen.
A strong field of 92 participants set off at 7pm in warm, sunny and breezy conditions on the 50-mile course.
First to cross the finish line was Jamie Pallister in a time of 6:51:45.9. The first female runner to take the tape was Charlotte Black in 7:17:44.6.
Race organiser Kyle Greig was left delighted with the way the race went.
He said: "The race went really well with around 100 runners.
"There were a few drop-outs, which is to be expected, but it was a strong field.
"It was a warm and breezy day, although the breeze acted as a tailwind.
"My biggest worry s race director was that people would overheat in the warm conditions but there weren't any real issues. There were plenty of aid stations along the route where runners could rehydrate and refuel.
"One of the main items mentioned in feedback was just how beautiful the course is, which is absolutely right – it's stunning."
The inaugural Moray Coastal Trail 50 forms part of a four-strong suite of races which includes the Speyside Way Race, Moray Way 100 Mile and the Dava Way 50km.
Greig continued: "After the Speyside Way Race last November, we wanted to grow the races which use the Moray Way, which is a recognised long-distance walk.
"We've now got the Speyside Way Race beginning in Ballindalloch and finishing in Buckie, the Dava Way 50km which starts in Grantown and the 100-miler, which takes in the whole of the Moray Way.
"It's been quite exciting to organise."
Greig added that this year's Speyside Way Race, scheduled to take place on August 28 Covid restrictions permitting, would actually offer runners two options – the usual 37-mile route plus a 100km one.
Full race category winners: Overall and Male Senior – Jamie Pallister 6:51:45.9; Female 40-49 – Charlotte Black 7:17:44.6; Female 50-59 – Paula Boon 8:55:06.9; Female Senior – Chloe Sangster 7:19:46.5; Male 40-49 – John Ryder 7:14:08.4; Male 50-59 – James Crozier 7:06:52.4; Male 60+ – Richard Stark 7:44:15.3.
After the Speyside Way Race, next up is the Moray Way 100 Mile, which is due to get under starter's orders on October 2.
Rounding off the series for 2021 the series is the Dava Way 50km on November 13.
For more information on these races visit https://www.moraywayultras.com/
