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 Forres 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.forresharriers.org.uk
Orienteering
Orienteering (cross country running with a map) is a growing sport in Moray, and in 2015 the town hosted the Individual Sprint race in the World Championships.
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 hosted two of the ‘forest’ stages of WOC2015. In August 2023 nearly 3000 competitors will take part in Moray 2023, the Scottish 6 Days of Orienteering.
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.
Moravian Orienteers hold weekly informal hill sessions in Forres on Thursday mornings, 9:30am to 10:30am. See mor.scot for more details about the club.
