Sair start to the year

THE annual Sair Heedie Run saw competitors start 2019 with a bang on Tuesday in Buckie. A mix of 39 runners and five walkers took part in the 20th running of the traditional January 1 detox event. The 4.5-mile run started and finished outside the Episcopal Hall in Buckie and covered part of the Buckie 10k course in reverse. The entry fee was £5 and alll the proceeds were donated to the Buckie Food Bank. Runners were able to enjoy a cup of tea and a piece when they finished. Conditions were dry but with a cold wind which didn’t affect the runners too much. The event is run every year by Buckie folk with mainly local runners, and there was help with donations from the Buckie Co-op
and Jamie Stewart of Run With Style who provided the prizes. Spokesman Phill Thompson said: “We also had the use of the All Saints Episcopal Church Hall for registration of runners and tea and cake afterwards. “Every year a local charity is chosen to receive any money raised , and this year the Moray Food Bank was chosen. “Runners often give generous donations and provide prizes for the raffle, so this year we were very pleased to raise £342 for the food bank.” The first finisher overall was Andy Bentley of Spey Runners in 29 minutes 8 seconds and the first lady was Justine Blaszk of Moray Road Runners who clocked 33m 8s. Added Thompson: “We will be looking to run the event again next year and keep up the tradition of the race being a social run that people can enter on the day.”