Sair Heidie new year run makes welcome return
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THERE was a welcome return for Buckie Sair Heidie new year run as 2023 dawned.
It was the first time in three years that the race was held due to Covid restrictions, with a total of 21 runners and eight walkers turning up outside All Saints Episcopal Church hall to blow away the Hogmanay cobwebs.
The race got under way in cool and drizzly weather, with local runners taking the honours in both the male and female sections. The first male home was Gary McKay in 27 min 44 sec with Josie Walls the first lady to take the tape in 37min 09 sec.
Sair Heidie organiser Phill Thompson said: "The majority of the runners and walkers were local people, with a number of regulars and also quite a few doing Sair Heidie for the first time, with 'Batman' featuring prominently and also one kilted runner .
"A few families had returned to the Buckie area for the holidays and took the opportunity to join in the run.
"Thanks to additional generous donations £205 was raised for Buckie charity Coastal Creations and a donation was made to All Saints Episcopal Church for the use of the church hall. Prizes for the first three male and first three female finishers were kindly donated by The Little Lunch Box in Elgin, and 10 raffle prizes were donated and distributed amongst the runners and walkers.
"Local runner Jamie Stewart took photos at the start, finish and on Strathlene brae.
"The Sair Heidie run has been taking place since 2000 and has been resurrected following a three year absence due to Covid. Following the great support received and the success of this year’s event we are hopeful that it will continue in 2024."
