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All roads lead to Ceres writes Shane Fenton
With no other Highland Games in Scotland scheduled this weekend, all roads will lead to the small Fife village of Ceres and, with the current heatwave expected to continue a huge crowd is anticipated to throng around the Bow Butts for what is sure to be an afternoon of non-stop action.
Owing to it being a five weekend month this years Games don't clash with Drumtochty Games in the Grampian region, which means there could be a record entry for the heavy events.
There has been a welcome upsurge in entries for the running and cycling events on the Games circuit this season and expect that to continue at Ceres.
There is always a great atmosphere and a big crowd to watch the events which all take place within the confines of a tight 200 metres circuit on the Bow Butts. It is always a popular meeting for the athletes and cyclists. The athletes have races over 90m, 200m, 800m 1600m and 3000m all handicaps with the Youth's racing over 90m,200m and 800m.
As if we haven't had enough of it already this season, there is regularly thrills and spills among the bikers as they whizz around the tight circuit, and it won't be the first time an unfortunate rider has had the misfortune of being catapulted into the Ceres Burn. Expect to see fast and thrilling racing with the under-wheel conditions expected to be very firm.
The Games stage the Scottish Highland Games Association 1600 metres Cycle Championship, and with numbers of those participating on the increase and depending on who turns out to race, for the first time in a long number of years heats maybe required to be run in the interests of safety. This takes place regualrly in the 800 metres for similar reasons.
The heavy event competitions are the highlight for many, because of the tight confines there is no hammer throwing, this however doesn't detract from the quality of the athletes who take part in the various disciplines. As previously mentioned we may well have a record entry including all the top throwers in the country.
There is also a full programme of Highland Dancing, Wrestling, Solo Piping, Tug of War and Childrens Races.
The Games begin with a parade through the village led by the St Andrews Pipe Band ,they will be joined later in the afternoon by the Broom County Celtic Pipes and Drums fronm the City of Binghampton in New York State.
The games which are the oldest free games in Scotland get underway at 12 noon with the official opening by the Chieftain at 1pm.
Published: 2018-06-28 11:54:08
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