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Alva all set to celebrate it's 162nd games writes Shane Fenton.
All roads lead to the Wee County of Clackmannanshire this Saturday for the 162nd celebration of the Famous Alva Games.
With the weather forecast looking favourable, a large crowd is anticipated to make their way to the Johnstone Park where they will pack their way around the arena and contribute to the special Alva atmosphere which is so enjoyed by the competitors.
Over £8500 prize money is up for grabs over all events, Hill Running, Track Running and Cycling, Heavy Events and Highland Dancing.
The B.O.F.R.A. UK Open Hill Race Championship gives spectators the opportunity to witness the most spectacular race of it's kind in the country, supporting the main event is the UK Junior Championship as well as races for Under-12's and Under-14's. As ever a large contingent of Fell runners will travel up from the Lake District to contest the various races.
The track events all carry six good monetary prizes with the top prize of the day being the £400 on offer to the winner of the Open 90 metres handicap.Former New Year Sprint winner Greg Kelly East Kilbride AC will be defending his title. There is also Open races over 200m,400m,800m,1600m and 3200m all with £100+ first prizes, the Youth athletes will compete for £800 over the same distances as the Open with the exception of the 3200m.
Cycling at Highland Games was first seen at Alva in 1871, and to this day always attracts good fields, the feature event is the Scottish 3200 metres Championship which has been won in the past by some famous names. The title 12 months ago went to the current top grass track man Charles Fletcher, Grantown on Spey who will attempt to retain the title, Fletcher already has two SHGA Scottish titles in the bag this summer following wins in the 8,000 metres at Markinch and the 1,600 metres at Ceres. He will start favourite again but won't get things all his own way as the likes of Alexander McCrae,Glasgow and Paul Gallacher,Kirkcaldy have already beaten him in scratch races this campaign. The bikers will also contest races over 800 metres,1600 metres and Deil tak the Hindmost.
A good field is anticipated for the heavy events and they will compete over 7 different disciplines. The games also feature childres races for all ages as well as a couple of special events for overseas visitors. The highland dancing, as ever, has attracted a good entry.
Open events and all the fun of the fair commences at 12.30pm
Published: 2018-07-12 21:27:48
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