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Latest News
Jan 2012 : WJRM launches its exciting plans for 'Moray 2012'
Moray unveils its plans for complementing and commemorating the London Olympic Games - click on the link on the Home page for full details and how to get involved.
Jan 2012 : 5k Winter Challenge successfully goes ahead
Finally our Winter Challenge beat the weather and was able to go ahead in reasonably fine conditions in Elgin's central and scenic Cooper Park. More than 100 walkers, joggers, and runners of all standards participated. Buckie and Elgin scooped the prize list, with Buckie's Malcolm Schofield and Brodie Christie coming first male and first boy respectively; Elgin's Oonagh Wilson and Grace Whelan were respectively first lady and first girl. See 'Jog Moray Events' for more details.
Some of the keen juniors at the start of the 1.5k Winter Challenge
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Last Year's News
Dec 2011 : 5k Winter Challenge re-scheduled
Our postponed 5k and 1.5k events have been re-scheduled to take place on Sun 8 Jan 2012 (see 'Jog Moray Events' for more details and entry form).
Dec 2011 : 5k Winter Challenge postponed
Our streak of bad luck with winter challenges struck again on the morning of 4 Dec when ice prevented our planned 5k and 1.5k events from going ahead. We are therefore looking for a date in the New Year (poss 8/1) to try again - more to follow.
Dec 2011 : Aberlour jogging group to expand
In light of demand for providing jog leading in Rothes, and rather than start up a new group just a few miles from an existing one, it has been decided to relaunch our Aberlour group in New Year as 'Jog Scotland Aberlour and Rothes'. Group Leader Marie Third will be working with representatives from both communities over the next few weeks to create a workable format that best suits everyone.
Dec 2011 : Largest RonHill turnout at Fochabers event
The recent RonHill Hi-Viz promotion in Fochabers witnessed 'one of the largest turnouts ever in Scotland' thanks to Scarlett Courtney of OUTRUN and our Jog Moray network. Despite being a cold and wet Thursday night, more than 60 people crammed into OUTRUN's High Street premises to try out RonHill jackets, hats and gloves and then take part in a 7k jog around the village.
Nov 2011 : Get ready for the Moray Winter 5k Challenge
We're only a short time away from our Winter 5k (and 1.5k) Challenge which, this year, takes place in Elgin on Sun 4th Dec (see 'Jog Moray Events' for more details and entry form).
Nov 2011 : Elgin hosts Moray Schools CC
This year's Moray Inter-Schools Cross Country races took place at Morriston Playing Fields in Elgin. A wide range of participants from schools from all over the region took part in a highly successful set of cross country races. Perhaps even some budding stars of the future took part on the day!
Some of Buckie High School participants get ready for the Moray Inter-Schools Cross Country races.
Oct 2011 : Winter Cross Country League in full swing
The North of Scotland Cross Country Winter League came to Keith last Saturday (29th). The clement weather saw a large turnout in all races, especially the juniors. Kyle Grieg and Melissa Whyte continued their impressive recent form with wins in the senior male and female events respectively. The next Cross Country League race takes place in Inverness (12 Nov) before the Championships come to Forres on 26th Nov. (See North League website for further details).
Oct 2011 : Running legend Mel Edwards shares 50 years of running experience
Grampian's legendary 100.000 miles athlete Mel Edwards, from Aberdeen, was in Elgin on Wed night (26th) to share his vast experience with WJRM's joogers and runners from across the Moray area. Mel ran a sub-2.20 marathon in the 1960s and went on to found the NE's first Running Shop in Aberdeen in the 1980s. He is still running in his '70s, and his son is currently training at altitude in Kenya. With the backing of Scottish Athletics and WJRM, Mel regaled a large and attentive audience in Moray College's lecture theatre. He ended his evening by saying 'This has been one of the most enjoyable talks I've ever given'. Many in the audience thought the feeling was mutual.
Oct 2011 : Keith juniors on shortlist for national award
Congratulations to JS Keith and Keith and District AAC for reaching the final shortlist of the Scottish Athletics Cashback for Communities Award due to their joint venture into delivering a new juniors section for the Keith area.
Oct 2011 : Moray 5k Winter Challenge to revisit Elgin
This year's Moray 5k Winter Challenge is coming back to Elgin for a rare winter visit before it heads off round the Moray area in future years. The Winter Challenge provides a goal to keep fit during the dark nights, and is targeted at walkers, joggers, and runners of all abilities. A 1.5k event will happen at the same time. (Go to 'Jog Moray Events' section for an entry form).
Sept 2011 : Scottish Government Cabinet visit Elgin and get a taste of 'Active Moray'
Elgin this week played host to a visit from all of the Scottish Government Ministers who took the opportunity to find out how Elgin and Moray are responding to the 2011 theme of 'Active Nation'. First Minister Alex Salmond met with WJRM Partnership Chair Nick Brown, along with Moray coach Carol Lawrie, Moray Roadrunner President Gareth Jenkins and rising discus talent Dionne Milne to discuss 'participation and performance' in athletics throughout Moray. In relation to participation, the First Minister was aware of the WJRM efforts and Awards for All funding support, and subsequently sought sight of the Partnership's annual report for 2010-11. In relation to performance, whilst paying tribute to the talent that emerges throughout Moray, everyone pointed out the lack of track and field facilities between Aberdeen and Inverness.
Sept 2011 : Another successful Moray Marathon festival of running
Scotland's most continous Marathon Committee pulled off another amazingly slick Festival of Running on Sun 9th Sept with a field of 750 serious and fun runners taking part. The marathon was won by Gareth Mayze from Teviotdale with Edinburgh's Kate Jenkins winning the female race for a remarkable 13th time! Kincraig runner Paul Raistrick and Caroline Milne from Alford took the half marathon titles, whilst Aberdeen Metro's Niku Millot and Melissa Whyte from Inverness Harriers both maintained their winning habits in the 10k.
Sept 2011 : WJRM Partnership sets out its new Three-Year Plan
The Walk-Jog-Run in Moray Partnership's Annual General Meeting took place in Elgin on Sun 5th Sept. It was agreed to reappoint the three main office bearers for another term - Chair Nick Brown; Secretary Kim Paterson; and Treasurer Rachel Stockdale. The Committee also agreed to adopt a new, ambitious yet realistic Three-Year Plan for 2011-14 (to follow).
Click here for copy of Chair's Report outlining 2010-11 achievements
Aug 2011 : Partnership AGM scheduled
The Walk-Jog-Run in Moray Partnership AGM takes place in Elgin Community Centre on Sun 5th Sept at 13.30 (i.e. after the Moray Marathon events).
July 2011 : Free junior athletics training days in Moray
Thanks to Aviva sponsorship, two free junior athletics sessions will take place at Keith Sports and Community Centre on Wednesday 10th August from 1-4pm and Grant Park in Forres on Thursday 11th August from 1-4pm. The sessions will be open to children aged 8-15 years and to book a place you need to visit www.uka.org.uk/academy or contact Kim Paterson on 01343 563657 for further details.
June 2011 : Keith successfully hosts 2011 Moray 5k challenge event
More than 120 participants turned out in fine weather at Keith on Sunday 12th June to walk, jog, or run in the fifth Moray 5k Summer Challenge event organised by the Walk-Jog-Run in Moray (WJRM) Partnership. Hosts for the first time were Jog Scotland Keith and Keith and District Amateur Athletics Club, who combined forces with Keith Scouts and local sponsors to lay on a testing, but enjoyable, challenge for walkers, joggers, and runners in the area. Commenting on the event after presenting prizes to the 1.5k junior runners, Secretary for Keith and District AAC Angela Reid said,” We were honoured to be hosting this annual event and, since we have not had a 5k in Keith before, quite a few of our club members were involved in mapping out a new route for the course. As well as helping to prepare and organise the occasion, many of our club runners took part in the event and we were happy to welcome other runners from across the area”. Registration took place at the Keith Scout Hall on Fife Street and, once setting off from the Hall, the scenic figure-of-eight course took in two distilleries, the Keith showground area, Chapel Street, and Old Keith (see 'Jog Moray Events' for results).
May 2011 : Moray Leaders Network Seminar goes down well with delegates
The first leaders network seminar event , held on Sun 15 May in Elgin's Library Gallery, went down a treat with all its organisers, contributors, and delegates. "A great success"; "a really useful day"; and " we must do this again!" were some of the feedback comments from those who attended. Participants included leaders from Walk Moray, Jog Scotland Moray, local running clubs and junior groups. Also attending were representatives from Moray Council, NHS Grampian, and Scottish Athletics, as well as guests from Cairngorm Runners and Muir of Ord. The event was part of the WJRM Partnership's Action Plan programme, and sought to provide an opportunity for various leaders to share ideas and experiences with one another.
April 2011 : New advice on acting responsibly outdoors
Scottish Natural Heritage has produced new guidance on responsible behaviour when using the great outdoors, especially on private estate land. Entitled 'Heading for the Hills', the initiative is in its second pilot year. See http://www.outdooraccess-scotland.com/outdoors-responsibly/access-code-and-advice/scottish-hills/heading-scottish-hills-pilot/
April 2011 : Entries now being taken for the Moray 5k Summer Challenge
Following the double cancellation of the proposed Winter 5k (see below), Keith is now playing host for the Moray 5k Summer Challenge for the first time. The scenic figure of 8 route is a new addition to the range of Moray events and will see JS Keith and Keith and District AAC jointly taking responsibility for organisation and hospitality. (See 'Jog Moray Events' or 'Events' sections for entry forms).
April 2011 : New Walking Group for Buckie
Following a successful pilot period, a new evening walk for health group 'Walk Buckie' was formally launched on Wed 20th April. As part of the WJRM Partnership's recent campaign for increasing the numbers of qualified WJR members (see Feb 2011) 5 new walk leaders have been trained to provide structure to the group and to lead walks throughout the town. Walks will be suited to its participants and be conducted at various paces for anyone over 16 (juniors can attend if accompanied by an adult guardian) and will be especially targeted at those who are currently inactive, as well as those who want to exercise in a social group setting . One of the group's new Walk Leaders, Emma Lang from Buckie said, "I think the idea of Walk Buckie is great and I'm really enjoying it. It's been good to see us coming from 5 people on the first night of our pilot to having 19 participants on our first official night". See Walk Moray's 'Local Walk Groups' section for further information.
April 2011 : Newly formed Junior Athletics group for Keith
Following a successful 10-week pilot programme, it has been decided to set up a junior group in Keith with support from JS Keith and Keith and District AAC. The group will meet on a regular basis throughout the summer months (see 'Local Groups' section for further information).
Mar 2011 : Boost for Junior Athletics in East Moray
The WJRM Partnership has been trying to fill gaps in junior participation in running and in support for junior athletics by helping with the organisation and delivery of events in Buckie and Keith. With leadership from the Active Schools Co-ordinators, local teachers, JS Buckie, JS Keith, and Keith and District AAC, highly successful inter-primary school races to place in Portknockie and a 10-week programme of training took place in Keith. Stimulated by the positive responses to these events, everyone involved is now working towards finding longer term solutions and a legacy for all this recent effort.
Feb 2011 : WJRM Partnership set to roll out leadership and coaching courses
The WJRM Partnership, in association with Walk Moray, Jog Scotland, and Scottish Athletics, is about to roll out a series of courses aimed at increasing the number of qualified leaders and coaches in the area. The first course, targeted at leading junior groups, takes place in Elgin on Sunday 6 March; the second course, targeted at budding Jog Scotland leaders, occurs in Elgin on Sunday 13 March; the third course, which will give participants a Level 2 Coaching Assistant qualification, will be run over the weekend 19/20 March in Forres; whilst a fourth course, to train up more Walk Leaders, is being scheduled to take place in Elgin on Monday April 18th. For more information, contact the WJRM Secretary Tel 01343 563657 or email
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Jan 2011 : New 'Walk-Jog-Run in Moray leaflets' now available
The WJRM Partnership has produced a 1000 new leaflets promoting walking, jogging, and running groups across Moray, thanks to Awards for All funding. The new leaflets will be distributed around Moray's towns and villages and made available in most of the Council's public access buildings, such as libraries and community centres. Click here for a copy of the new 2011 WJRM LEAFLET
Jan 2011 : Snow forces another cancellation of the Moray 5k Winter Challenge
Sadly due to more heavy snow and icy underfoot conditions over parts of the course, the Moray 5k Winter Challenge in Keith has had to be cancelled.
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Old News
December 2010 : Moray 5k Winter Challenge postponed
Unfortunately due to severe snow, the Moray 5k Winter Challenge, scheduled to be held in Keith on Sun 5th Dec, has now been postponed until Sun 9th January 2011 (See 'Jog Moray Events' for entry form).
November 2010 : WJRM to run area-wide athletics coaching programme
Kicking off on Sat 27 November at Elgin Community Centre, the WJRM partnership will host a 1st level Club Leader Coaching Course, which is targeted at those involved in the administration, supervision and coaching of juniors. The full-day Scottish Athletics course is normally £90 but, thanks to support from Awards from All, is free to anyone involved with WJRM groups. The course is part of an overall programme by WJRM to increase the number of qualified coaches in the area. If you are interested in participation, call 01343 563657 or email
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November 2010 : Entries for Moray 5k Winter Challenge now being taken
Those who are interested in a goal for the winter months are already looking forward to our Moray 5k Winter Challenge event this year in Keith on 5th Dec. For further info, go to 'JS Moray Events' section.
November 2010 : Successful first race event for Spey Runners
Moray's new running club, Spey Runners, launched their inaugural 5-mile Monumental Challenge trail event as another potential regular entry in the local calendar. Local Jog Leader and Club Secretary Rachel Stockdale said, "We're really pleased how our first event has gone, and we look forward to establishing it as an annual event". (See Spey Runners Information page for more details and results).
October 2010 : Walk-Jog-Run Moray feature at Glitzy Gala Dinner Awards
The Walk-Jog-Run in Moray Partnership helped to raise the profile of the area as 'the ideal place for social outdoor exercise' by reaching the final three of the Scottish Athletics / Jog Scotland Community Group award for 2010. At the glamour event in central Glasgow, representatives from Moray mixed with world class athletes, including members of the recently successful Commonwealth Squad. Commenting on the occasion, WJRM Chair Dr Nick Brown said, "It was a huge honour for us to be part of tthis fantastic event and a great thrill to be in the company of exceptional people. It certainly provided us with the inspiration, enthusiasm, and motivation to keep going with our partnership and we are already looking forward to even better things in 2011".
WJRM Chair Nick Brown at the Jog Scotland/Scottish Athletics Annual Awards
with 400m Commonwealth Squad runner Kathryn Evans from Moray, and Scottish Athlete of the Year, Eilidh Child.
October 2010 : Inaugural Spey Runners Monumental Challenge
Come along and try this new 5 mile trail race through the beautiful woods in Fochabers. Entry £5 (£2 supplement on the day). Registration at Fochabers Cricket Club.
October 2010 : Scotland's First Minister congratulates WJRM
Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond has written to the Walk-Jog-Run in Moray partnership to offer his congratulations for securing the external funds to purchase equipment, set up training courses, support new groups, stage events. and raise awareness on health and fitness. He said, "I am sure that this will make a fantastic contribution to Moray and will be greatly welcomed by all present and future members."
Oct 2010 : Partnership shortlisted for national award
Following nomination by Moray's Sports Development Officer, the WJRM partnership has been shortlisted for the JogScotland/Scottish Athletics 2010 Community Award. The award ceremony takes place in Glasgow on Sat 30th Oct and the various winners will receive their awards from legendary Olympian Daley Thomson.
Oct 2010 : Old trainers on their way to Africa
Jog Scotland members from Buckie, Dufftown and Elgin got the thrill of a running lifetime when elite African runners, and Loch Ness Marathon winners, Tomas Abyu and Dinknesh Tefera joined them on their bus to accept two bulging suitcases of recycled trainers (see info below in May and June 2010). The trainers are now on their way back to the Running Across Borders training camp near Addis Ababa (see 'Links') and will be used by elite and up and coming runners in the area.
Sept 2010 : Partnership looks to year ahead
The Walk Jog Run in Moray Partnership goes from strength to strength, and 2010/11 looks to be an exciting one ahead. A large turnout at this month's Annual General Meeting heard about long list of achievements during 2009/10, and mapped out a 12-page Action Plan for the next 12 months. Committee members identified to take specific matters forward were Debbie Barron from Walk Moray, Marie Third and Stacey Nicol from JS Aberlour/K&D AAC, Audrey Benvie from JS Dufftown, Malcolm Christie from JS Elgin/Elgin AAC. and Frankie Barton from JS Elgin/K&D AAC. Continuing in their positions as Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer were Nick Brown of JS Buckie/K&DAAC, Kim Paterson of JS Keith/K&D AAC, and Rachel Stockdale of JS Fochabers/Spey Runners.
Aug 2010 : Partnership AGM scheduled
Hard to believe it's that time again, but the Walk-Jog-Run in Moray Partnership AGM takes place in Elgin Community Centre on Sun 5th Sept at 13.30 (i.e. after the Moray Marathon events).
Aug 2010 : New faces at the Dufftown 5k
There was a great turnout for the 2nd Dufftown 5k. For more info and results, go to 'Jog Moray Events' or the 'JS Dufftown Information' pages.
July 2010 : Great financial boost for WJRM Partnership
The coffers of the Walk-Jog-Run in Moray Partnership are £7000 better off, thanks to a successful bid to the Awards for All Fund. The monies will be put to good use during the next year to: purchase kit bags; provide Jog Leaders with safety bibs; support 5k events in 2010/11; provide coaching, training and educational courses for group leaders; purchase and publish promotional material. Secretary for the WJRM Partnership, Kim Paterson, said, "This is just great news for our partnership and all our 19 local groups. It really goes to show that the partnership approach is working, and the funding from Awards from All will help us to be even more effective and consistent across Moray".
July 2010 : Coasting through Moray
Barry the Baton continued his amazing journey around the British coast when he passed through east Moray today (Fri 2nd July). JS Buckie members received the baton from Spey Runners and JS Fochabers around midday and, with the support of Keith and District AAC runners, Barry was whisked through to Banff by early evening. The baton is due to be in Aberdeen by the weekend and head down the east coast and all round to Blackpool by the end of summer.
After months of preparation, 'Barry the Baton' successfully travelled today (1st July) through more than half the Moray coast. The baton was picked up by Forres Harriers and JS Forres who took it from the western Moray boundary to Roseisle. Moray Roadrunners took charge as far as Lossiemouth, with a handover at Lossiemouth to Elgin AAC and JS Elgin members.
See www.coastersgb.co.uk for more details.
June 2010 : Coasting Around Britain reaches Moray
The unique 'Coasting Around Britain' baton relay enters west Moray in the evening of Wednesday 30th June. It is passing through Moray during Thurs 1st and Fri 2nd July and participation is open to all.
See our 'Events' section for times and locations of where to join in, as well as who to contact.
See www.coastersgb.co.uk for further general information.
June 2010 :
Two new races for Moray this month - the Glen Moray 10 and the Garmouth Five (see 'Events' section for entry form).
June 2010 : Old trainers for Africa
Our campaign to collect old trainers for recycling got off to a great start with an overflowing wheelie bin at the Moray 5k in Elgin! Thanks for everyone's support. We'll be making the arrangements to get the trainers shipped out, and we will be repeating the exercise at the Moray Festival of Running on 5th Sept.
June 2010 : Moray 5k Summer Challenge Results
See 'Jog Moray Events' section for results
May 2010 : Don't throw out your old trainers
They might be old trainers to you, but to underdeveloped nations they're like gold dust! Walk-Jog-Run Moray has successfully formed a relationship with Running Across Borders, a UK/US charity which supports up and coming athletes in Ethiopia (see 'Links' section). We are therefore starting off our recycle programme by collecting your old trainers at our Summer Challenge 5k on 13 June. Look out for the trainers wheelie bin at this event, as well as future ones!
May 2010 : Coasting Around Britain has begun!
A pioneering and ambitious plan to carry a baton around the British mainland coast kicked off on Sat 9 May in Blackpool. The baton is due to come into Moray on 1st July and a host of groups are lined up to carry the baton across Moray as part of this exciting and innovative concept. (See 'Events' section for more details).
May 2010 : Scottish Ultra Marathon Series comes to Speyside
Speyside is to host one of the Scottish Ultra races this year with a Ballindalloch to Buckie race along the Speyside Way and its recent coastal extension. The race, which will attract top ultra athletes from near and far, sets off at 0900 on Sat 28 Aug, with the first arrivals expecting to be in Buckie c.12.30.
May 2010 : Another successful 'Six Harbours Walk'
Around 400 walkers took part in this year's Portsoy to Buckie harbour walk. The scenic 15-mile event was again organised in aid of local charities, and included participation from several of our Walk Moray and Jog Moray groups (see Buckie Rotary website for more info).
Members of Jog Scotland Buckie, plus junior runners from Buckie Coasters, join with Walk Buckie members in taking part in the 2010 Six Harbours Walk on a dry and sun-kissed day.
May 2010 : First Aid Course (2)
The Walk, Jog, Run Moray partnership have now confirmed the date and venue of their second first aid course, which is being funded through the 2014 Communities Fund. The date of the course is Saturday 3rd July from 9.30am-4.30pm. The venue will be the new extension at Elgin High School. For further details click here
April 2010 : First Aid Course
The Walk, Jog, Run Moray Partnership has been successful in receiving grant aid through the 2014 Communities fund to organise and deliver 2 first aid courses in the area for members of the walking, jogging and running groups in the area. The date of the first course is Sat 5th June at Keith Sports and Community Centre from 9.30am-4.30pm. For further details click here
April 2010 : Joggers and runners sought for participation UK Coastal event
A call has gone out for walkers, joggers, and runners to take part in the 'Coasting Around Britain' event this summer. All groups from the Walk-Jog-Run in Moray Partnership have already agreed to be involved (see below). For further details, click here
April 2010 : New events for Moray
Moray is to witness at least three new race events this year - the inaugural 'Glenlivet 10k' on Sun 11 April; the 'Glen Moray Ten' on Sun 20 June; and the 'Garmouth Fair Five' on Sat 26 June.
Mar 2010 : Moray Summer Challenge Entry Form now available
This year's Moray 5k Summer Challenge event takes place on Sun 13 June 2010 in Cooper Park, Elgin. There will also be a 1.5k Fun Run, which is suitable for juniors and wheelchair users. ( See 'Events' section for entry form).
Mar 2010 : Buckie Group raise money for Sports Relief
Around 80 members of JS Buckie (adults and juniors) raised near £300 towards Sports Relief with a mile long evening run along the Buckie coast.
Feb 2010: Moray Partnership to participate in Coasting Around Britain challenge
Running clubs from Moray are to take the lead in an ambitious and exciting initiative to transport a relay baton around the entire coast of Britain this summer. The concept is being taken forward by Runners' World journal readers and, with the baton setting off from Blackpool in May, it is scheduled to come into Moray in early July. Over the course of several days, it will wind its way from Culbin Forest through to Cullen via Lossiemouth, Garmouth and Buckie. Walkers, joggers and/or runners will be able to take part in various sections of the route through the Moray area, subject to co-ordination with the general plan. More to follow.
Jan 2010 : Public funders give big boost to partnership's ambitions
Thanks to successful funding applications to the Lottery Fund, the 2014 Communites Fund, SportMoray, and the Moray Council - all ably led by our Secretary Kim Paterson - our coffers have swelled significantly in recent months. We are now in the throes of purchasing event infrastructure, such as signs and markers, subsidising jog leader training, running First Aid courses, and supplying first aid and other safety equipment to local groups. For more information Contact Kim on Tel 01343 563657.
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Archives News
Dec 09 : Another successful Moray Winter 5k Challenge takes place
JS Fochabers and Spey Runners pulled off a highly successful 5k Winter Challenge event with 90 participants walking, jogging, or running their way around the historic landscaped grounds of the Gordon Castle Estate (see 'Jog Moray Events' section for results).
Organisers share a joke at the finishing line of the 2009 5k Winter Challenge.
Dec 09 : Fochabers set to host 5k Winter Challenge
The unique setting of the Gordon Castle Estate is the venue for this year's 5k Winter Challenge hosted by JS Fochabers. This walk, jog, run event is open to anyone over the age of 16. (See EVENTS section for entry form).
Nov 09 : JS Elgin gets off to successful start
The new Elgin group kicked off this month with 22 walkers and joggers turning up for the first session. The group will continue to operate on a 'taster' basis until Christmas, then launch in earnest in the new year (see 'Local Jog Groups' for more info). 
Right: Jog Leader Carol Morley briefs some of JS Elgin's new members.
Nov 09 : New wave of Moray Jog Leaders
Thanks to funding from the Moray Health and Social Care Partnership, 18 new jog leaders have been trained up to provide additional and/or expanded jogging services in our area. Secretary for the Walk-Jog-Run in Moray Partnership Kim Paterson said, "This latest round of training puts Moray in an even stronger position to have safe, fun jogging sessions available to a wide range of ages and abilities. This can only be good for community spirit and the physical and mental well-being of those participating". Anyone wishing WJRMP support to be a Jog Leader in 2010 should contact Jog Moray (see Jog Moray section).
Oct 09 : New Elgin jog group launched
JS Moray is delighted to announce that JS Elgin gets launched this month. The first session takes place at 6pm on Thursday 12th November meeting at Elgin Library. For more information, contact Carol Morley on 01343 556596.
Oct 09 : Elgin AAC seek support in bid for for new running track
Elgin Amateur Athletic Club is looking for support with its application for £50k to the 'People's Millions' lottery fund. The new Elgin AAC sports track is one of the projects through in the latest round, which will be voted upon by members of the public during 0900-midnight on Thursday 26 November. Ahead of this, STV cameras will be coming to Morriston to film the case for broadcasting between 1800 and 1830 on the 26th November. Malcolm Christie, who is leading the bid for the AAC, is understandably keen to receive the support of walkers, joggers and runners across Moray. "We want to illustrate just how much Moray needs a new track, so we are looking for as many people as possible to come along at 3.30pm on Friday 13th November. Depending on how it goes, we'll probably have a two-mile walk,jog, run afterwards. Since the track will be used by a wide range of people from across the area, we are hoping for a good turnout to help present a strong case"
(For more info, see our 'Local Running Clubs' section, and also the 'People's Millions' website)
Sept 09: Please click on following for a copy of the new partnership's constitution - Walk, Jog, Run Moray Constitution
Sept 09: Unique 'Walk, Jog, Run in Moray' partnership is constituted
Following the excellent partnership working that has already been established in relation to walking, jogging and running in Moray, it was agreed to create a 'Walk, Jog, Run' partnership in Moray for further development of these opportunities and links. By constituting into a voluntary, independent body, the partnership will be able to apply for external funding to help with developments across the 3 physical activity strands of walking, jogging and running in relation to the likes of events, insurance, equipment and promotion. A copy of the constitution and AGM minutes will be uploaded onto this website in due course. The first steps of the newly constituted body are to open a bank account, affiliate to sportMoray (local sports council), apply for 2014 Communities funding, organise a Jog Scotland Leaders course and plan a Winter Challenge 5k event - so plenty to keep the new partnership busy!
Sept 09: Elgin and Lossiemouth groups coming to you soon
We are in the throes of forming new groups in both Elgin and Lossiemouth and have six new leaders being trained at the beginning of November. Our intentions are to commence the Elgin group in mid November and the Lossie group in the new year. Watch this space!
Sept 09: Ann and Megan savour the Moray 10k
Ann Davidson, National Co-ordinator for Jog Scotland , and Communications Officer Megan Hubbard came up to meet some of Moray's walk-jog-run reps and also take part in the Moray 10k. The girls successfully completed the 10k in a respectable 61 mins. They were both really surprised at the scale of the event and hugely impressed with the jog and run scene in Moray. They were obviously delighted to see a whole host of Jog Scotland T-shirts on display - not only local ones like Buckie, Dufftown and Elgin, but also groups from Aberdeen, Angus and Highland.
Before leaving back to Edinburgh, Ann and Megan said, "We've just loved our trip north.The journey was great, the local scenery is beautiful, the event was brilliantly organised, the course was kinder than we expected, and everyone was really nice to us. We always get inspired when we meet other joggers and runners and the Moray event is no exception. Thanks to everyone who looked after us during our trip - hopefully we'll be back some day".
The pre-race meal - left to right: Frankie Barton, JS Elgin (Council); Ann Davidson, JS; Audrey Benvie, JS Dufftown; Alex Ross, JS Forres; Megan Hubbard, JS; Janice Simpson, JS Buckie; Kim Paterson, Moray Council; Malcolm Christie, Elgin AAC; Clive Streeter, JS Keith. (Photo Nick Brown).
Aug 09: Jog Scotland chief officers to visit Moray
Two of Jog Scotland's chief personnel are to take part in this year's Moray 10k on Sept 13th. Ann Davidson is Co-ordinator of the national umbrella organisation and Megan Hubbard is responsible for its communications. The ladies will be greeted in Elgin by reps from the Walk, Jog, Run in Moray Partnership on Sat 12th for a pasta meal ahead of the race event. The two ladies were persuaded to take part by Nick Brown, spokesperson for JS Moray and Group Leader at Buckie. Nick said, "It's a real coup for us to get Ann and Megan to come and visit us on the 13th, since they have a whole country to choose from! Their decision is vindication of the success of Jog Scotland Moray and we're delighted that they've opted to savour the Moray 10k".
The Moray 10k is part of a festival of running that includes the Moray Marathon and Half Marathon - www.moraymarathon.com - and is one of Scotland's longest established run events.
Ann has done 10k events before, but this will be Megan's first. Megan said, " We're really looking forward to coming up to Moray. It looks like a beautiful area and we expect an enjoyable, albeit possibly painful, experience in Elgin! We've been training for the event, but I'll still be nervous on the day." Megan will likely write up her experience in the Jog Scotland quarterly 'Stride' magazine.
Jul 09: Jog Scotland Moray in search of new leaders in Elgin and Lossiemouth
Are you someone who can help people jog their way to a healthier lifestyle?
Jog Scotland Moray is currently on the lookout for new leaders to help set up and run groups in Elgin and Lossiemouth. Despite the success of Jog Scotland Moray in the past two years, there are conspicuous gaps in Elgin and Lossiemouth that the local jogging organisation is keen to fill.
Jog Scotland is the national 'umbrella network' body that supports local groups such as those in Moray. There are currently Jog Scotland groups in Aberlour, Buckie, Dufftown, Fochabers and Keith, following a successful pilot scheme in Forres. Some of the groups have developed from humble beginnings to substantial groups with 100 plus members. JS Moray is also supported locally by NHS Grampian, the Moray Council and Sports Moray. Along with Walk Moray and established athletic clubs, JS Moray is part of the recently formed ‘Walk, Jog, Run in Moray’ Partnership.
JS Moray spokesman, Dr Nick Brown said, “We already have a good going Council Workplace group in Elgin led by Frankie Barton, and we used to have a RAF based group in Lossiemouth, but we are keen to have more widely accessible groups in these towns. There are now around 400 Jog Scotland groups throughout the country and, whilst all of them conform to certain principles, they operate differently and each has its own style, depending on local circumstances. We in Moray have taken a co-operative stance where we all work collectively for mutual benefit and we are keen to establish full coverage across the area with jog groups in every main town.”
The emphasis of Jog Scotland is upon running in groups for social and health benefit, rather than for competition. Groups of up to 15 people are guided around selected routes by qualified jog leaders, and since all abilities from walk-jog up to decent runner are catered for, each local group requires a range of jog leaders. The main skills and qualities necessary to become a jog leader are: enthusiasm for jogging; a desire to help people meet their goals; a strong respect for people’s safety; a willingness to abide by set guidelines; and common sense. All jog leaders are required to go through a Jog Scotland training course.
Nick explained that, “Although being a Jog Leader implies commitment and responsibility, it is a very rewarding role that few will regret doing. As well as ensuring your own regular participation in weekly exercise, you can get a real kick out of watching the personal transformation that many members go through. Jog Scotland has a steady stream of wonderful stories from members whose lives have been greatly enhanced by regular jogging".
If you are interested in being involved with Jog Scotland Elgin or Lossiemouth groups, please contact JS Moray on 01542 842847 or email
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June 09: Moray 5k Challenge Results
Now available in our Jog Moray Events section
June 09: "It's brilliant!"
So says Jog Scotland's Communcations Officer Megan Hubbard after browsing our new website. For more info, see Jog Scotland's News, Local Groups, and Blog Sections.
Elite K&D runner Frankie Barton and JS Moray rep Nick Brown with web designer Lisa Taylor at the launch of the new website.
May 09: Partnership website formally launched
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