A North East woman is preparing to take part in Aberdeen’s longest running road race to rekindle memories of attending dances at the Beach Ballroom in her youth.

In 2018 at the age of seventy with no previous experience, seventy one year old Morag Ellery decided to take up running. She has completed four 10K’s to date and plans to make the BHGE 10K Running Festival her fifth on Sunday 5 May.

Managed by race organiser Sport Aberdeen and title sponsor Baker Hughes, a GE company (BHGE), the popular road race enters its thirty second year in 2019.

To prepare for the race Morag joined the St Cyrus Solos Running Club that meets twice a week, where she is the oldest member and also takes part in weekly parkruns to keep her in shape.

When asked what advice she would give to other older adults unsure about taking up running, she said:

“I would certainly encourage more people of any age to get out there and give running a go. The Couch to 5k app and local parkruns are a great way to start. Whether you run, jog or walk, as there is always someone behind you acting as the tail walker. You can take as much time as you need. 

“My advice to anyone who thinks they are too old to take part in a 10K is to just do it and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow runners. The spectators certainly cheer you on and there is a fantastic atmosphere from beginning to end.” 

Sport Aberdeen and BHGE are proud of the inclusive nature of the BHGE 10K Running Festival. Stories such as Morag’s are an excellent example of how an event in the heart of the community, can encourage people of all ages and walks of life to challenge themselves and get active.

Zoe Lewis, Sport Aberdeen’s Event Lead, commented:

“Morag is the personification of what the BHGE 10K is all about. The variety and range of runners we see take part year on year is inspiring.

“It’s fantastic to see someone like Morag proving that not only is it never too late to try something new, but you can also excel at it as well.”