The starting pistol may have been fired on a new £2 million athletics track in Elgin some time ago – but athletes believe they have never been closer to the finish line.
Runners have trained on the limestone track at Morriston playing fields since the 1960s.
However, the facility is prone to flooding, open to the elements 24/7, uneven in places, and has weeds growing in it.
It also needs inspected for dog mess and litter and is more likely to cause injuries than synthetic surfaces.
It had a light sandy track when it was installed in 2012. That has now turned a sludgy brown colour from muddy River Lossie flood water.
Athletes across Moray have now pinned their hopes on securing a share of a £20 million Elgin fund to help secure a new running track in the town.
And they believe the facility could have knock-on benefits for the whole community in attracting and retaining talent for the workforce.
‘Athletes could get to another level with new facilities’
The latest push for a specialist new athletics facility is a combined effort between lots of clubs. They comprise Elgin Amateur Athletics Club, Forres Harriers, Moray Road Runners, Spey Runners and Keith and District Amateur Athletics Club.
The groups have had initial discussions about the track and field complex being built next to Moray Sports Centre in the south of Elgin.
Scott Hamilton, head coach of Elgin AAC, has been training on the Morriston playing fields for nearly 30 years. He believes the current facilities are holding back local talent from reaching their full potential.
One of the most recent stars to emerge from the club is Kathryn Evans, who competed for Scotland in the 4x400m relay at the 2010 Commonwealth Games. She was also champion of the 2009 TV series Gladiators.
Mr Hamilton said: “The club has produced a lot of very good athletes who have gone on to Olympics, Commonwealth Games and set British records. All of whom have trained on this surface.
“So we have been very successful with what we’ve got. It makes you think about what you could do if we actually had a reasonable one.
“Moray is the only region in Scotland that doesn’t have a synthetic running track. It gets expensive to travel.
“Another problem we have is the fact it’s completely open to the public. We’ve been practising javelin in the past and walkers have gone to walk through where we’re training.”
How new Elgin running track could boost whole community
While the benefit to local athletes is clear, the clubs also believe a new running rack could provide a boost to Elgin and wider Moray area.
It forms a key part of the groups’ bid to the Elgin Town Board for a share of the £20 million UK Government cash. Talks are also being held with Sport Scotland, Scottish Athletics and other funders.
Coaching assistant Chris Muir said: “One of the things we have heard is that some RAF personnel have turned down postings here due to the lack of athletics facilities.
“It’s not just about the job and the house. People also want to know there are facilities when they’re moving somewhere new, particularly if they’re competitive.
“It’s about having that infrastructure to attract and retain talent. It’s like we have with the Gleaner Arena now with the all-weather football pitch.
“You can certainly see why someone in England who had kids setting British records or something in under 13s might be put off.”
Interim chairwoman Dawn Cruickshank added: “We’ve definitely been very lucky to have good coaches. We all feel there’s another level we can all get to though.”
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