A KEY EVENT on the Moray sporting calendar is set to continue next year with a new focus after directing its target for the last three years on an RAF Charity.
Cairngorm to Coast has attracted outdoor enthusiasts from all over to compete in a gruelling but enormously satisfying event that takes place over some of the most stunning scenery in Scotland.
The challenge raised over £28,500 for the RAF Benevolent Fund since it was first introduced to the event calendar in Moray, with local outdoors group Outfit Moray guiding much of the organisation alongside the former Team RAFBF Lossiemouth.
Now Karen Cox, who recently retired as chair of that group, said that she is delighted that the work in the local community from Outfit Moray will itself benefit from the event which will return next year.
Karen said: “Outfit Moray is an award-winning charity and social enterprise delivering outdoor learning, adventure and nature, and we are hoping that a generous donation from this established and popular event will enable them to continue their inspiring work.”
This gruelling distance event is one of the Moray and the Highland’s most beautiful and unique challenges, setting entrants the staggering task of hiking 30kms through the Cairngorms National Park before biking 70kms along the Dava Way and local SUSTRANS route before concluding in Lossiemouth.
The 2017 event was fully subscribed and hugely popular, with entrants coming from as far afield as Stirlingshire, Paisley and Fife – between them raising an outstanding £14,486.49.
Karen added: “t would be incredible if it could continue this level of support for Outfit Moray as we know what huge difference it will make to the work they will be able to do with the children of Moray.”
Outfit Moray CEO Tony Brown said: “We are very excited to become the beneficiary charity for Cairngorm to Coast from 2018.
“It is a great event that we have supported each year – this opportunity will enable us to play a full partnership role with the C2C Team in delivering the event. Becoming the beneficiary charity will help us deliver more programmes for young people in Moray.
“The first £6000 raised will enable us to deliver a fully funded Ignite programme, helping youngsters who are at risk of dis-engaging from education, to re-engage with learning in an outdoor setting. Any further monies raised will go to support our EnerG programme, helping to get disadvantaged young people out enjoying adventures.”
Places are limited to 50, with 10 of those set aside for entrants who wish to complete the hike section only. Those interested should make sure they sign up before September 30 to take advantage of the early bird rate, with prices increasing by £15 on October 1.
Karen, who will be joined in organising the event by former RAFBF Lossiemouth volunteers Mel Waters and Pauline Evans, said: “We are delighted to be in partnership with such a dedicated and worthwhile local charity, especially one that will benefit children in Moray, in fact our own children have all been involved with Outfit Moray at some point. We are very excited about this new direction and can’t wait for Cairngorm to Coast 2018.”
To sign up or for more information visit www.outfitmoray.com/c2c or you can find the event on Facebook and Twitter.
Cairngorm to Coast is also looking to secure a named sponsor to ensure they are able to raise as much money as possible for Outfit Moray. They would love to hear from any company who would be interested in donating £4000 towards the costs of the event.