Ultramarathon Moray Coastal Trail 50 to return after successful debut run

LOCAL ultramarathon Moray Coastal Trail 50 is set to return in May after its successful debut in 2021.

The event will see participants run 50 miles, from Grant Park in Forres all the way through to the beach front in Cullen.

Registration is now open for the run, which is set to take place on Saturday, May 14.

Race director Kyle Greig, from Forres, is now an international trail runner. He said: “More people need to know about the hidden gem of these Moray Trails.

“We have stunning coastline, epic forests and breathtaking mountains all on our back door."

The Moray Way Ultras series was launched in 2021 with the aim of getting people excited to exercise again after lockdown.

Kyle's wife Debbie, who is also a professional endurance athlete, added: “With so many people struggling with a lack of motivation and even depression during lockdown, a series of running races that adhered strictly to government restrictions and showcased the area could only be a good thing.

"We didn’t expect it to be so popular and we enjoyed putting them on so much, that we hope to continue the series and have it grow every year."

Last year, Kyle had to leave Aberdeen Royal Infirmary just two hours after the birth of his second son to head to Forres for the start of the first ever Moray Coastal 50.

Lennox Ryder Murray Greig (middle name added due to the timing of his birth) was born after 10pm on the Friday night, and the race began at 5am in Forres the following morning.

“It was extremely stressful but I was running on adrenaline, pride and love”, recalls Kyle. “The participants and their supporters were all incredibly excited when I told them what I had been up to that night."

This year's race will be run in conjunction with the forestry commission, the Moray Ways Association, Visit Moray Speyside and local charity Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation.

For more information on the Moray Coastal Trail 50, visit www.moraywayultras.com.