Proud rounds off series in winning style

The Moray Forest Runs Series came to a close at Monaughty Forest where

runners were treated to perfect running weather.

Close to 200 runners of all ages, shapes and sizes gathered at Torrieston where series founder Mark Ellis was bowing out after 10 years of co-ordinating what has grown into an extremely popular festival of running.

As has become the custom this year, Forres Harrier Simon Pride dealt ruthlessly with all the opposition to record another fine win with his time of 24:39 seeing off fellow Harrier Paul Rogan by a 25-second margin. Veteran John Goodall from Keith was just 9 seconds further back in third.

Elgin women have been the dominant force in recent races, and it was Moray Road Runner Norma Beaton who improved on her third place from two weeks ago at Quarrelwood to take top spot in the ladies race (34th overall). She was fractionally ahead of Scottish junior hill running star Kirstie Rogan of Forres Harriers, while it was another Harrier, Ros Wright, who claimed third – her best result so far in any of the Forest Funs races. Getting better and better with each outing, Elgin’s Blair Little became the Series Under 21 men’s champion after a fine 9th position in a time of 26:27 to record his third Under 21 win of the year. Although unable to race, it was another Elgin runner, Bethany Wilson, who added the Women’s Under 21 trophy to her growing collection on the strength of her three wins in previous events.

Monaughty is traditionally the climax of the series, and as always, the evening concluded with the series prize giving. There are no adult series prizes, but thanks to the support of Little’s the Jewellers of Elgin there was a fine array of junior trophies at stake. West End Primary School pupil Conan Smith once again showed what a classy young runner he is by claiming his 4th consecutive race win to take the undisputed Under 12 Boys title, with namesake Aiden Smith second and Tommy McGrath third. There was only a single point separating Grace Whelan (Elgin) from Dyke’s Amber Leonce for the Girls’ series gold medal when Amber almost overturned a 3-point deficit after winning Wednesday’s race. Her school mate Caitlin Coveney came second, but Grace managed third to take the overall title by the smallest of margins.

Forres Academy’s Zoe Hayward was dominant in the girls Under 16 race, claiming her second win of the series to take the title. With her two nearest challengers unable to make the race, this let in Amber Leonce to take her second series medal of the night. This immensely talented 9-year old pocket dynamo wasn’t content with just winning the Under 12s race; as with every other forest run this year she got her breath back and lined up against girls many years older than her. Her finish position of 9th was enough to hand her the silver medal! The bronze award went to 8th-placed Miriam Scott of Forres who has steadily improved throughout the 4 runs.

The winner of the Boys under 16’s title was Moravian orienteer Hamish Weir. The Aberlour youngster is very much at home in the forest, but is more often seen running with a map in his hand. Hamish’s 7th place was enough to give him the gold medal, but the fastest runner on the night was the powerful Lewis Sim who had a clear victory as he claimed his third win of the series. Had Lewis managed to run in the previous race there’s no doubt that he would have been a clear series winner. The bronze medal went to Callum Alexander who had his best race of the series to finish second on the night, but like Lewis he had missed the Quarrelwood event.

Race organiser Paul Rogan paid tribute to the inspiration of outgoing series co-ordinator Mark Ellis whose commitment to his new business meant he was unable to continue at the helm.

“The Forest Runs are something pretty unique and are very much valued by the whole running community in Moray” said Rogan. “It’s been thanks to Mark’s vision and enthusiasm that a one-off forest run at Culbin way back in 1999 has grown in to a series that has helped make running in to a real family sport in Moray. A huge range of people have enjoyed the series, from boys and girls as young as 4, to talented young teenaged athletes, and adult runners of every age and ability.”

Next year it is hoped that local running clubs will rally round to assist in staging the series which has been run in partnership with various community groups. The runs have proved a major fundraiser for three local village halls and, in the case of Wednesday’s finale, for the 1st Forres Guides who benefited to the tune of £400.