Scottish Highland Games Association

ALVA GAMES ON MARKS TO CELEBRATE 160 YEARS

WRITES SHANE FENTON

With no other Highland Games taking place anywhere in Scotland this entire weekend all roads lead to the Wee County of Clackmannanshire this Saturday for the 160th celebration of the Famous Alva Games.

With the ancient event celebrating a milestone year 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.

Almost £8000 is up for grabs over all events, Hill Running, Track Running and Cycling, Heavy Events and Highland Dancing.

The British Championship Hill Race gives competitors the opportunity to witness the most spectacular race of it's kind in the country, supporting the main event is the British Junior Championship as well as races for Under-12's and Under-14's.

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, 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 distance's 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, Jimmy and Stewart Duff, Lewis and Evan Oliphant, Jock and Craig Hardie to namr a few.

Competition in the heavy events is the best it's been for a number of years with some of the younger throwers stepping up to the plate to challenge the seasoned campaigners. A good field is anticipated and they will compete over 7 different disciplines.

Open events commence 12.13pm

Published: 2016-07-08 10:18:03