More than 750 school pupils take part in flagship cross country event
Hundreds of school pupils from across Moray laced up their running shoes on Saturday, for the 2026 Active Schools Primary Cross Country competition – the region’s largest annual sporting occasion for young people.
The flagship event returned to the grounds of Gordon Castle, Fochabers, where families, friends and loved ones created a lively backdrop for the morning’s programme of races.
More than 750 pupils took part– the most ever - with more than 1,000 spectators cheering them on throughout the day.
Organised by the Moray Active Schools and Community Sport team, in partnership with sportscotland, the event featured a non‑competitive fun run for P1–P3 pupils followed by a series of competitive races for older primary pupils.
Winners received their medals from Moray Council Chief Executive Karen Greaves.
She said: “I’d like to congratulate and thank every young person who took part in this year’s races. The Active Schools Primary Cross Country isn’t just about winning – it’s about participants challenging themselves, enjoying being active and celebrate the joy of taking part in such a large scale event. Seeing so many young people giving their best, cheering each other on and embracing the fun of sport is truly inspiring.”
Principal Active Schools & Community Sport Officer Roy McPherson, praised the enthusiasm of those involved: “It’s always very positive to see so many young people embrace physical activity with such energy and commitment. Participants across all ability levels completed the course and we hope it has inspired everyone to continue with sport throughout their life.’’
“Well done to every participant for their fantastic effort and thank you to all the families and volunteers whose support helps make the event such a success.”
Results from the competitive races are listed below:
Primary 4/5 girls
1: Eliza Wilkie (West End, 4.10 mins)
2: Cora Saville (West End, 4.26 mins)
3: Cherry Powell (West End, 4.32 mins)
Large School Team: 1. West End (6 points), 2. Hopeman (51 points), 3. Milne’s 64 points)
Small School Team: 1. Mortlach (113 points), 2. Dyke (143 points), 3. Portessie (144 points)
Primary 4/5 boys
1: Andy Gilchrist (Milne’s, 4.03 mins)
2: Archie Patterson (Keith, 4.03 mins)
3: Alex Anderson (Dyke, 4.05 mins)
Large School Team: 1. New Elgin (24 points), 2. West End (38 points) 3. Seafield (52 points)
Small School Team: 1. Rothes (71 points), 2. Dyke (92 points), 3. Mosstowie (96 points)
Primary 6/7 girls
1: Chloe Drake (West End, 8.33 mins)
2: Darci Roberson (Lhanbryde, 8.53 mins)
3: Skye Hughes (Andersons, 8.54 mins)
Large School Team: 1. Bishopmill (23 points), 2. Milne’s (41 points), 3. Applegrove (60 points)
Small School Team: 1. Mosstowie (66 points), 2. Portessie (104 points), 2. Alves (156 points)
Primary 6/7 boys
1: Finlay Ellis (Milne’s, 8.04 mins)
2: Hugo McPherson (Linkwood, 8.04 mins)
3: Harry Cook (Keith, 8.21 mins)
Large School Team: 1. Bishopmill (37 points), 2. Andersons (42 points), 3. Keith (43 points),
Small School Team: 1. Mosstowie (66 points), 2. Portessie (104 points), 3. Alves (156 points)