PICTURES: Over 900 primary school pupils descend on Inverness to take part in the first McRobert Cup since 2019
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Over 900 pupils from 40 different primary schools took part in the McRobert Cup in Inverness yesterday morning, the first time the event had gone ahead since before the pandemic.
Poor weather conditions led to an extremely muddy course, but the event still went ahead much to the delight of everyone involved – even if one or two runners lost a shoe along the way to the finish line.
A staple of the school sporting calendar in years gone by, it was the first time since 2019 that the McRobert Cup took place.
That helped provide an extra buzz despite the weather, and organiser Dagmar Borrowman – active schools co-ordinator at Charleston Academy – says it was a fantastic effort from pupils and volunteers alike to ensure everything went off without a hitch.
"It's fair to say it was pretty challenging conditions, but everyone still came along and ran," Borrowman said.
"Running clubs are an integral part of primary schools. We were right back to pre-pandemic levels of participation despite increases in transportation costs and it being more difficult to staff these events, so the schools have been really committed.
"This is what their cross country clubs train towards – it's like the end of their season.
"I think for the children it's a huge buzz to be able to go to big events again.
"Three years ago we took that for granted. The first lockdown started almost exactly three years ago, so the McRobert Cup was just about to happen and then it got cancelled.
"The buzz the children get out of it, the fun of being on a bus and competing for your school, of having that top on with your school name on it, it's massive, so it was really fantastic that the schools braved the elements.
"We had a massive amount of support from volunteers – we had the sports students at UHI cutting off the timing chips when pupils came in, we had Inverness Rotary supporting, Inverness Harriers manning the start and finish, we had Millburn sports leaders there to help with keeping everybody going at the finish line so that they didn't stop before going over the electronic timing mat.
"I also have to say thanks to the team at Bught Park for being there ready to set up the park at 8am in the morning."
There was an added element of excitement for the youngsters involved as under-21 European Cross County Champion, and new Inverness Harriers life member, Megan Keith was on hand for the presentations.
"Megan Keith is just back from New Zealand competing in the World Championships, and she was there presenting the medals," Borrowman added.
"The children got a real buzz out of meeting Megan. Megan herself ran the McRobert Cup when she was a Crown Primary School pupil. She didn't win it at the time, but she has come full circle because this is where she started off.
"Now she is presenting the medals as the Under-21 European Cross Country champion. It's fantastic, and I really valued her support. Who knows who the next champion is among us?"
See the full gallery of pictures from the 2023 McRobert Cup below.
