On your marks, get set, GO! The very popular winter cross country series is now officially underway for primary pupils in East Ross and East Sutherland, with nearly 250 children taking part in this first race of six scheduled events.
Invergordon Academy was the venue for the first cross country race last week, organised by High Life Highland Active Schools Co-ordinators, supported by Young Leaders and school staff.
Pupils in P4 – P7 had to complete two laps of the Invergordon Academy football pitch, up a short steep hill, followed by a lap around the rugby pitches, finishing back on the football pitch and through the finishing funnel.
The girls were first to complete the one mile (approx.) course, with Alexandra from Inver Primary School claiming first and Calvin from Dornoch Primary School crossing the finishing line first for the boys. 
Jake Williams, Invergordon Active Schools Co-ordinator, said: “It was great to kick off the Active Schools winter running series with our first race taking place in Invergordon. With well over 200 runners, the feedback from all the schools involved has been really positive – with lots of pupils experiencing cross country racing for the first time. We were especially delighted to have Ullapool Primary and St Duthus schools joining us this time and everyone is really looking forward to our next race in Dornoch.”
The series of races are organised as a training opportunity for pupils involved in the Ross Primary School Sports Association Cross Country event and to provide an opportunity for all pupils who don’t take part in the area event to run and represent their school in a local event.
The rest of the series event dates are:
- Tuesday 25 November 2025 at Dornoch Primary School.
- Tuesday 9 December 2025 at Inver Primary School.
- Tuesday 13 January 2026 at Culbokie Woods.
- Tuesday 27 January 2025 at Fairburn Activity Centre.
- Tuesday 10 February 2026 at Alness Academy.
