Scottish Highland Games Association

Exciting day of competition in prospect at Markinch writes Shane Fenton

It's all systems go for the first of the Fife Highland Games at Markinch on Sunday.

Good entries have been received for all events. The Open 90 metres sprint sees more than double the entries from last year with 40 runners set to contest the six heats. The distance events also look set to be well contested with good fields declared for the 800,1600 and 3200 metres handicaps.

Invitation 90 metres races will be held for Open,Vets,Women and Youth's. The Youth's also have five other races on the card to contest.

The cycling entry is the biggest seen at any games for a number of years and with the John Dixon Park track being firm and set to be riding really fast we should be in for exciting racing with the highlight being the Scottish 8000 metres Championship.

With 18 Open cyclists entered the 800 metres will be run off in three heats. 10 youth bikers are also entered with many using the new bikes recently acquired by the SHGA .

The heavy events will be as popular as ever and a good field is expected to contest the 7 disciplines.

A number of ground records have been broken in recent years and of course the 28lb weight for distance world record was set by Gregor Edmunds in 2011.

For those who like the sight of tartan, solo piping and highland dancing competitions will take place outwith the main arena as will the pipe band contest which is the oldest in Scotland.18 bands are entered for the various grades and all will take part in the grand march past at the close of the games.

The weather forecast looks favourable and a good crowd is anticipated.

The pipe band contest begins at 11.30am with the track events at 12.30pm.

Published: 2018-06-01 17:19:46