Forres ASG primary schools battle it out in cross country festival at Grant Park with Kinloss claiming the overall first place

A great turnout and inspiring performances - that’s the story of the Forres area primary schools cross country festival.

Nearly 140 pupils from local schools raced around Grant Park for the Forres ASG (Associated Schools Group) races on Saturday.

The event is organised by the Forres Harriers club with promotion from Active Schools.

One of the organisers, Harriers’ member Siobhan Evans said she was delighted with the turnout and how the day worked out, with help from her fellow running club members.

She was particularly taken by the enthusiasm of the youngest runners, the P1-3 pupils taking part in the fun run.

“It was incredible. They were so inspiring – every one of them,” she said.

The P1-3 race was supported by the Village Café in Rafford, with the first boy and girl crossing the finishing line receiving a voucher for the café.

Two Forres primaries, Applegrove and Anderson’s took part along with Kinloss, Alves, Dallas and Dyke.

Kinloss were the winners of the overall trophy, with three of their pupils coming first in their races. Anderson’s were close behind in second overall, and Applegrove finishing third.

Conditions were ideal with blue skies and cool but dry weather. “In addition to the good weather, we also had the cricket club opening the pavilion and offering coffee, teas and hot chocolates to those spectating who were indeed very grateful,” Siobhan added.

She acknowledged 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,” she said. “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. It was great to see.”

Results. P4/5 girls: 1 Sky Hughes (Anderson’s), 2 Ayla Macdonald (Kinloss), 3 Isla Harrison (Alves)

P4/5 boys: 1 Rhys Forwood (Kinloss), 2 James Holthan (Dallas), 3 Jan Townsend (Kinloss)

P6/7 girls: 1 Freya Sutton (Kinloss), 2 Malina Le Riche (Anderson’s), 3 Jessica Mutch (Applegrove)

P6/7 boys: 1 Jacob Forward (Kinloss), 2 Logan Smith (Anderson’s), 3 Murray Ure (Kinloss)