Speyside challenge allows participants to ‘reconnect’ with area
Sporty individuals participated in a health challenge across the month of September.
Participants competed in the Moray Council’s September Speyside Challenge, logging their journeys along the Speyside Way route either by foot or cycling.
The competition had two different categories - most distance covered, and most journeys logged in both walking and cycling.
The route is part of Speyside Low Carbon Hub which runs from Craigellachie, through Aberlour and Carron to Cragganmore, allowing participants to ‘reconnect’ with the Speyside Way.
Mairi Weir, a participant of the challenge said: “The Speyside Challenge enabled me to reconnect with places along the Speyside Way after I’d been away from the area for a while.”
Those who participated received Moray Loves Local gift cards valued up to £50.
Participant Liam Ross won first prize for most distance covered, covering 291km on foot, whilst Lain Rattray won first prize in the same category for covering 1080 km cycling.
Erin Wood won first prize for most journeys logged, recording 41 by foot, while Marion Duncan won first prize in the same category for covering 43 journeys by bike.
Individuals also had the chance to enter a prize draw for a chance to win a brand-new bike from Highland Bikes valued up to £2000 - with Mairi Weir winning.
Chairman of the economic development and infrastructure services committee, Councillor Marc Macrae (Conservative, Fochabers-Lhanbryde) said: “It’s been encouraging to see the huge uptake in this year’s challenge.
“Well done to everyone that joined in, and I hope to see folk continuing to use the path for their daily journeys.”
A total of 7908km was logged in September with over 568 journeys recorded - saving 1402kg of Co2.
The challenge is being praised for encouraging participants to reduce carbon emissions from travel.
“It’s a great way to generate a bit of healthy competition, motivate residents to get active and reduce carbon emissions from travel,” Cllr Marc Macrae said.
Mairi Weir, who won the £2000 bike, added: “Participating in the challenge also encouraged me to choose more sustainable travel options, such as cycling to the shops or activities instead of driving.”
