The very popular winter cross country series has got off to a flying start! It's aimed at primary pupils and some younger high school students in East Ross and East Sutherland. This year the series has got underway earlier than normal, in a bid to ensure all events are able to take place with the weather's co-operation!
The 'Winter Running Series' is organised by High Life Highland's East Ross and East Sutherland Active Schools Co-ordinators. It's a collaboration project to encourage more pupils to run and experience some friendly competition.
Racing in Dornoch
Dornoch Primary School hosted the first meeting of the series on Tuesday 22 September. Schools were invited to enter up to six boys and six girls from P4 to P7 to complete the 1 mile (approx) course.
Ullapool Primary School and St. Duthus School attended again. Organisers were delighted to also have a pupil from Kinlochbervie High School this year too.
The results
In the girls' race, 60 girls set off, with Mairi from Dingwall Primary School claiming first place. For the boys, first place went to Roddy, also from Dingwall Primary School.
The first 10 runners from each race were awarded a medal as they crossed the finishing line. The medals were presented by Young Ambassadors Ruaridh and Maisie from Dornoch Academy.
It's just fantastic to see so many children running for their school team and enjoying it.
Active Schools Co-ordinator, High Life Highland
A lovely afternoon
Elissa Stevenson, High Life Highland's Active Schools Co-ordinator, said: "It was great to kick off the Active Schools 'Winter Running Series' with our first race in Dornoch this year. After a damp morning, the sun came out and it was a lovely afternoon!
"We had just over 140 runners across 18 schools – it's just fantastic to see so many children running for their school team and enjoying it. These races are about taking part and, for some of pupils involved, was maybe their first experience of a cross country event. We're already looking forward to our next race in Alness."
Why we run the series
These sets of races are organised as a training opportunity for pupils involved in the Ross Primary School Sports Association Cross Country event. They also give all pupils who don't take part in the area event an opportunity to run and represent their school in a local event.
Dates for the rest of the series
- Tuesday 6 October 2026 at Alness Academy
- Tuesday 3 November 2026 at Culbokie Woods
- Tuesday 17 November 2026 at Fairburn Activity Centre
- Tuesday 8 December 2026 at Invergordon Golf Club
- Tuesday 19 January 2027 at Inver Primary School
Get active with Active Schools
Find out how Active Schools helps children across the Highlands get moving.
