Runners are set for annual festive challenge at Nairn Turkey Trot
RUNNERS are set to pound the streets on Boxing Day as the annual Nairn Turkey Trot is set to take place once again.
Organisers are predicting around 200 runners will sign up for the festive frolic on Thursday which has taken place in the town for a number of years.
The race will follow the same course as runners will congregate at the Maggot Playing Field before setting off alongside the riverside before finishing at the point where it started.
As usual, the winner of the race will not be the fastest athlete, but the runner who guesses their estimated finishing time correctly.
Runners will not be permitted to wear timers or watches to ensure it is a fair race for everyone.
The race will start at 11.15am and there is a new registration process this year where interested athletes can book online.
Organisers will share the link on the Nairn Road Runners Facebook site on Boxing Day to allow people to enter. However, entries will also be taken at the Seamens Hall between 10am and 10.45am.
A new chip timing system is also being introduced which has been brought to calculate results quicker. It is hoped that all the results will be calculated one hour after the final runner has completed the race.
Organiser and Nairn Road Runners chairman Kevin Reid says it is predicted that it will be a warmer race than usual and thinks once again it will be a well attended event.
He said: “We are expect to have somewhere in the region of over 200 people taking part in the Turkey Trot on Boxing Day.
“We are trialling a new online form this year where people can pay for their entry fee and registration before arriving.
“It is designed to make it easier for organisers to manage it all.
“We are also introducing a new chip timing system which we hope will allow us to get in all the results quicker.
“Everything is looking good for another successful event and the weather is expected to reach 11 degrees on Thursday morning.”
Five athletes were within one second of their estimated time last year.
The five people were Christopher Fife with 18 minutes and 14 seconds, Nick Bruce 18:21, Halina Rees 19:31, Maya Bochel 29:59 and John Bochel also 29:59.
As a result of crossing the finishing line first, the men's winner was declared as Christopher Fife and women's winner Halina Rees.
Athletes who turn up to the event in fancy dress will be able to compete free of charge.
For more information visit the Nairn Road Runners Facebook site.
