Olympic chance for Moray folk

A DOUBLE chance to celebrate the Olympics will get off and running in Moray this weekend.

People can take part in athletic races, mirroring events at London 2012, and then watch the Olympians cover the same distance on the TV.

Walk, Jog, Run Moray is behind the series of five races over the next eight days.

The celebration follows a successful ‘Olympic Flame Trail’ around Moray last month which saw more than 4,000 people carry a replica of the official London 2012 torch.

The races will get underway with a 10k in Buckie tomorrow (Saturday) which will comprise a two-lap race around the town centre from 6pm.

Youngsters and adults also have the option to do just one lap. The event will be based at Buckie Thistle Football Club from 6pm, and the Olympic 10,000 metres will be shown on a big screen in the Buckie Thistle funcion suite after the event.

Next Wednesday, August 8, there will be 3k and 1,500 metre races in Elgin, from 6.45pm, with registration at Elgin Library. The 3k is the second leg of the Pinto Series and is open to anyone aged nine or over, while the 1,500m is a one-off for juniors, joggers and elite athletes of all ages.

Refreshments will be served afterwards in Elgin Town Hall when both Olympic events will be viewed.

Next Friday, August 10, from 6pm, there will be 4 x 400m relays along Forres High Street. Teams of four in the under-12, under-16 and 16 years plus categories can take part. Individuals can also enter and join a team on the night. Registration is in Forres Town Hall.

The series will close next Saturday, August 11, in Dufftown, with a 5k tartan race. Registration will be at Dufftown Royal British Legion. There will be a ceilidh after the event.

Gold, silver and bronze medals will be presented to males and females in all categories.

More information on ‘Moray 2012’ is available online at www.walkjogrunmoray.org.uk