Festive Handicap 2025

Please choose your event:

Entry is free but we would welcome a Food Bank donation on the day.

14km & 7km: a Handicap run (sadly, you can't do both) and depending on the estimated run times the first runner will start at around 10.30am. The aim is for everyone to finish at 12 Noon.

2km & 1km: these are run on a 1km loop (2 loops for the 2km) and are on firm trails looping from start line to the finish area

Start/Finish will be a the BBQ area near Balvormie Car Park West

The Courses: Both the 7k and 14k handicap runs use the same tough loop, starting near Balvormie Car Park (GR 997743), heading east through Beecraigs, round Beecraigs Loch, up the Sawmill hill and returning, via the North Side of the play area at Balvormie, before heading west to climb Cockleroy, then returning to the finish. The longer run is two laps of the shorter one. There will be maps available online & at the start, some marshals on the route with signs and tape at critical, non-marshalled junctions.

Parking: The primary car park for the race is Hillhouse (What3Words location deposits.trapdoor.modest) and it’s approx. 1km walk to the start area. The secondary car parks are at the Visitor Centre and that’s also approx. 1km walk to the start (What3Words location pump.inflating.rare) and Balvormie car park (What3Words location marshes.coins.prospers). Please allow plenty of time to park your car responsibly and register before your start time. Do not block roads or paths & do not park on verges.

The course: The surface varies, from short sections on tarmac to firm trails within the woods, to rough tracks and includes the ascent and descent (on grass) of Cockleroy. Paths on most of the course have been upgraded with only short sections which can still be very wet and muddy especially if we have weather like 2015. Obviously snow will present different hazards, as will ice, if temperatures are low. On some sections there is ‘two way traffic’ – Keep left and take care on the narrower paths.

Your handicap: This is for the 14km and 7km races only; your start time is based on your estimated run time, you are handicapping yourself! You will be given a number to wear during the run.  Your start time will be marked on the front of the number.  Collect your number and and a timing chip at registration on the day.

Age limits:

14km is 18yr and older

7km is 16yr and older

2km is 9yrs and older

1km has no age limit but we strongly advise that a responsible adult runs with young children, despite the route being marhsalled

Online Entries open from 8th October. Online entries close at 23:59 on Wednesday 20th December, or when the course limit is reached. NO ENTRIES ON THE DAY (except for last-minute kids race entries). You may wish to make this a social run with friends, if so please ensure you enter the same estimated run time. 

Entry is free but we would welcome a Food Bank donation on the day.

More details    https://www.lothianrunningclub.co.uk/festive-handicap/festive-handicap-info/

In the event of severe weather (which caused cancellation in 2009 & 10) please check the Club’s website for updates on the race status.