Driving rain could not dampen the enthusiasm of the hundreds of runners who took part in Elgin’s Marafun relay race yesterday.
The biennial Marafun, organised by Elgin Rotary Club, attracted 94 teams of five runners with water-proofed well-wishers cheering them onto the finishing line.
Each of the five-strong groups had to cover 5.2miles before handing over to a team-mate.
Elgin Rotary Club’s Jim Walker said: “The weather was not on our side, and we didn’t have quite as many spectators as in past years, but it was fantastic to see the hardy souls that did attend.
“And the runners must also be commended for their brave efforts.
“Thankfully we raise much of our donations in the build-up to the event, so a lower turnout shouldn’t mean any of the charities will benefit less than usual.”
All the money raised from the event will be split between 100 local charities – but the final sum will not be announced until November.
The winning team was The Five Decades, a group of fun runners who finished third in the last Marafun in 2013.
The team – comprised of members in their 20a, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s – completed the course in an impressive 2hrs 40mins 51secs.
For the second consecutive Marafun, Moray Road Runners came second, with a time of 2hrs 51mins 53secs.
Moray Rugby Club followed in third at 2hrs 54mins 11secs.
RAF Lossiemouth’s 1(F) Squadron added some colour to the grey day by traversing the course in fancy dress costumes.
The group’s Andy Burt, who dressed as Batman’s superhero sidekick Robin, said: “I thought completing the run in costume would add a bit more entertainment to the event, and we enjoyed plenty of support as we went around the course.”
Around 200 volunteers helped stage the relay race, and onlookers enjoyed a range of charity, food and drink stalls, live bands and entertainment on the town’s Plainstones.
There was also a motoring display at the council annexe car park on the east end of High Street, with new and classic cars, motorbikes and a display of impressively polished vehicles in the ‘show and shine’ competition.
Last week Elgin Rotary Club was given the Queen’s Award for voluntary service – the highest award a group of its kind can receive.
