Forres primary schools cross country competition attracts 140 youngsters in event supported by Forres Harriers club

Conditions were near perfect for 140 young runners taking part in Saturday's Forres primary schools cross country competition.

Organised by Forres Harriers, with promotion through Moray Active Schools, the races took place at Grant Park in Forres.

Siobhan Evans, one of the Harriers in charge of the competition, said the weather didn't look favourable on the morning of the races as they were setting up.

"However by 10am, a window of cool but dry weather provided near perfect running conditions," she said.

"The challenging course weaved its way around the park, providing spectators with great views of all runners from Alves, Applegrove, Anderson's, Dyke, Kinloss, and Logie primary schools."

She said there was a good turnout on the day and she was delighted how the event unfolded.

"Most notable was the enthusiasm of the P1-3s in the fun run. It was incredible. They were so inspiring – everyone of them!”

Siobhan went on to acknowledge the importance of the enthusiasm of the adults involved in bringing the children to events like this.

“Support of parents is vital, similarly to those teachers who turn up on a weekend to support their team.

"It just means so much and sends such a strong message to those they support. Combine just one enthusiastic person within schools who helps create a team camaraderie and that is what encourages pupils to these events and who may never have considered it before.

"This is why I believe we continue to see smaller schools have a bigger presence within this event this year.

"Alves were an example of that – having the second highest number of runners out of all seven school. It was great to see.”

Support also came from the Village Cafe in Rafford who supplied vouchers to the top three boys and girls in each race,

The next Forres schools cross country event will be held on April 6, beginning at 10am.

Results

P4/5 Girls: 1st Sky Hughes (Anderson's); 2nd Freya Sutton (Kinloss); 3rd Ava Sutcliffe (Kinloss)

P4/5 Boys: 1st Finlay Bichan (Kinloss); joint 2nd Logan Smith (Anderson's), Jesse Dye (Alves); 3rd Callum Offer (Anderson's)

P6/7 Girls: 1st Rhiann Gomez (Anderson's); 2nd Emily Offer (Anderson's); 3rd Ramina Rowe (Alves)

P6/7 Boys: 1st Fraser Heron (Applegrove); 2nd Finn Carruthers (Anderson's); 3rd Jacob Forward (Kinloss)

Anderson's Primary were the winners of the overall trophy with Alves close behind in second and Kinloss finishing a strong third overall.