PICTURES: Ideal conditions greet bumper turnout for Buckie Sair Heidie race
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RUNNERS mustered for this year's Buckie Sair Heidie New Year's Day run in ideal conditions – dry, cold but with a hint of sun.
A total of 48 runners and 17 walkers started the 4.8 mile course, the most for quite a few years. The runners and walkers set out on the traditional route from Buckie’s All Saints Episcopal Church hall out towards Portessie, Strathlene Brae and Rathven then back to Buckie and finishing where they started.
Taking the tape was local runner Alasdair Grant in a time of 27 mins 31 secs and the first female runner was Louise Lovie in 35 mins 10 sec.
Race organiser Phill Thompson said: "While the majority of the people were local, we had a few from outside the area taking part for the first time, and as well as our regulars we had people who were returning after a few years away.
"After the event runners and walkers were able to socialise in the church hall were the prizes and raffle prizes were distributed.
"An amount of £502 was raised for the Buckie Salvation Army food larder and this was handed over to Lieutenant Theresa Raffan. A donation was also made to the All Saints Episcopal Church for use of the church hall.
"The event could not be run without the help of a group of willing people who all chipped in to make sure the event was a success. So a big thank you to them and all the runners and walkers who turned up.
"Next year, 2025, marks 25 years since the first event was held and we are looking forward to keeping the Sair Heidie tradition going on January 1, 2025."
