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Moray Marathon ready to celebrate 30th anniversary


By Chris Saunderson

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A PLEA has gone out for volunteers to act as marshals at next weekend’s Moray Marathon.

The three-in-one event is celebrating its 30th anniversary on Sunday, September 4.

Entries for this year’s Moray Marathon 26 mile road race, the longest running marathon in Scotland, have reached a new record of 220 competitors.

As well as the marathon, there is also a half marathon and a 10k race.

All finishers will receive a medal and a commemorative tee shirt, and there will be refreshments at the town hall during the day.

Veteran competitor James McArthur, from Fochabers, will be running the 10k at the age of 86.

There is the usual gathering of national and international runners coming to Moray, including runners from Australia, USA, Poland, Austria, France and Germany.

Johnston’s of Elgin are putting in a team of nearly 40 runners.

Anybody willing to marshal on the day should contact 01343 549886.

Entries will be accepted up to this Friday, August 26 and for entry forms contact Nicky Nash on 01343 543 736 or download them from www.moraymarathon.com

The first Moray Marathon took place in 1982 when 60 runners assembled in Elgin’s Cooper Park.

In 1987 the committee recognised that the full marathon was very demanding and there were a number of runners looking for something less strenuous. It was decided to introduce the half marathon and 10k.

All three races follow the same clockwise circuit with the marathon starting in the Cooper Park, Elgin, half marathon in the picturesque grounds of Gordonstoun School, Duffus, and the 10k in the outskirts of Lossiemouth.

The finishing line, the same for each event, is the Cooper Park, Elgin with the 13th century Elgin Cathedral forming a dramatic backdrop.

Holder of seven World records for ultra distance running, Don Ritchie stamped his mark on the Moray Marathon by winning the event six times.

The Forres Harrier’s time of 2hrs 29 mins 17secs stood for many years.

Simon Pride, Keith and District and Scottish Internationalist, broke the course record in the Scottish Marathon Championships in 2000 by recording 2hrs 21 mins 17 secs. He has won the marathon on four occasions, as well as the half marathon and 10k.

Kate Jenkins, Gala Harriers, has won the Ladies Event no fewer than 12 times.


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