If you’re a runner you will find yourself well-and-truly spoiled in Forres and the surrounding area.
There are two very strong clubs who both have thriving adult and junior sections.
Running
Forres Harriers and its associated JogScotland group is one of the most active and successful running clubs in the North.
Visitors to the area are always welcome at club sessions which are as follows:
The JogScotland group meets on Mondays at 6.30 pm at Forres House Community Centre.
The harriers meet on a Tuesday and Thursday at 6.30pm at Grant Park throughout the year. Meeting at the play park area from April – October and from the cricket pavilion from November – March.
The Harriers organise a number of local races, including a cross country fixture in Jan/Feb, The Benromach 10K in May, and the Dyke 10K in August/September.
There are loads of on-road and off-road routes close to the town, with Cluny Hill and Sanquhar Woods particularly popular with local runners.
You can find more info on www.forresharrers.org.uk or on Facebook.
Orienteering
Orienteering (cross country running with a map) is a growing sport in Moray, and on 2nd August 2015 the town will host the Individual Sprint race in the 2015 World Championships.
This major event, and the Scottish 6 Days Festival running alongside is set to attract between 5000 and 6000 people to the area.
Forres is surrounded by excellent orienteering terrain. There are mapped areas at Cluny Hill, Sanquhar and Muiry Woods, while nearby there are some of the best orienteering areas in the UK at Findhorn, Roseisle, Culbin and Darnaway. In fact Darnaway Castle, home of the Earl of Moray will be hosting two of the “forest” stages of WOC2015.
Moravian Orienteers is the local club, with around a quarter of its 200 members from the Forres area. They hold at least one event per month as well as coaching days and club socials. As with the Harriers, visitors to the area are welcome at any of the club’s events.
More info can be found at www.moravianorienteering.org and you can learn more about the World Championships at www.woc2015.org