An exceptional run to beat a truly elite class field
Thirty-seven Moravian members took part in the Inverness Orienteering Club competition, part of a two-day orienteering weekend held across two iconic northern Scottish locations. The events offered a major success story for the Moray club.
Weekend overview
Saturday’s race, hosted by Inverness Orienteering Club at Anagach Woods near Grantown, featured an extra-long brown course for elite runners. The demanding 11.3 km route went largely through deep heather. On Sunday, Mar OC organized the second event at the steep, rocky Birsemore Hill near Aboyne, offering challenging and technical terrain.
Moravian results
The Grantown competition drew a strong Moravian turnout, covering all age groups and levels. Finlay McLuckie delivered a standout performance, finishing in 74 minutes and winning by two and a half minutes against a top-class field.
“Finlay McLuckie had an exceptional 74-minute run, beating a truly elite class field by a clear two-and-a-half minutes.”
Michael Bishenden secured fifth place, while Eddie Harwood completed the long course as the final finisher at two and a half hours.
Sunday competition
Seven Moravian competitors raced at Birsemore Hill, where the brown course measured 7.4 km and featured significant climbs and rocky ground. McLuckie finished third, Bishenden again came fifth, and Harwood completed the course in two hours and fifteen minutes—this time ahead of three finishers and ten retirees.
New club member
Moravian also celebrated its newest member, Markus Wenstoep from Norway, who, at under ten years old, won the yellow course category.
Author’s summary: Rising star Finlay McLuckie led a successful weekend for Moravian at challenging northern orienteering events, while young newcomer Markus Wenstoep debuted with victory.