KEEN young runners from Clacks have finally been able to race again after the Covid-19 restrictions completely ruined the racing calendar.

The Wee County Harriers running club were able to hold their first event recently for their junior members and are now aiming to hold a bi-weekly event around Clackmannanshire.

Young runners from around Clacks were able to run around West End park and practice the skills they've been taught at the running club.

Sandy Dunn, a founding member of the club, has spoken of the benefits of running, not just for the runners but the parents as well.

"During the Covid situation there's not been a lot of races on so apart from the normal racing nights, we've launched a fun run in the park," Sandy told the Advertiser.

"In this instance it was at West End park, so it was a 2.5k and a 5k run.

"It was the first event since Covid," he added. "We've had the training up and running since August, but it's really just to organise some races for the kids."

The club hope that this event can continue on a more regular basis – and be opened up around the whole of Clackmannanshire.

Sandy continued: "The intention is to carry this on bi-weekly, while we can under Covid-19 rules, and to share it around Clackmannanshire.

"We're thinking about a cross-country run down by Morrison's, up by Gartmorn Dam and maybe by Alva so every fortnight the juniors will have a different course.

"As far as racing goes, because the racing calendar is basically shut down, it's going to be a club Grand Prix that we've launched.

"That allows the kids to practice the skills they've been taught at the running club and we see it as ongoing and continuing after Covid."

Both the youngsters and their parents have already benefited from the events and Sandy believes it is incredibly important, especially in these testing times.

He said: "The benefit for kids mentally, and getting out the house – they're absolutely loving mingling with one another – is helping a lot and it's helping the parents.

"We've had the parents involved, the were marshalling, they're going to keep the score-cards so everybody's involved.

"Socially, and mentally, to get out of the house just now is a good thing, particularly for the kids."

The club are accepting new runners aged 8-16 for the junior section and encourage anyone who is interested to come along on a Monday night.

Anybody interested should email club secretary Justine Elder at junior.secretary@weecountyharriers.co.uk for more information.