Active Schools cross country series kicks off at Invergordon

12 young people lined up wearing gym kit standing on a playing field.
News and blogs
18th Nov 2025
Last update 26th Feb 2026

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.

Schools battle it out for 1st place

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.”

13 school pupils lined up against a sports pitch fence.

Bonar Primary Primary School

10 school pupils lined up pupils on a sports pitch

Craighill Primary School

6 female school pupils wearing dark tops and trousers with arms round each other standing on a sports pitch

Golspie Primary School

10 primary school pupils wearing sports gear standing outside a school building

Helmsdale Primary School

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 25th November 2025 at Dornoch Primary School.
  • Tuesday 9th December 2025 at Inver Primary School.
  • Tuesday 13th January 2026 at Culbokie Woods.
  • Tuesday 27th January 2025 at Fairburn Activity Centre.
  • Tuesday 10th February 2026 at Alness Academy.

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