Festive Handicap 2026

Please choose your event:

Entry is free but we do collect donations for West Lothian Foodbank on the day.

Previous foodback donations totalled 111kg in 2023 and 144kg in 2024 and last year in 2025 we collected 174kg equating to 420 meals!!

Foodbank donations are next to the registration area, just look for the DONATIONS sign - we will also accept cash donations on the day in lieu of food (please bring exact amount).

Please allow plenty of time to park your car responsibly and register before your start time; those helping at registration are also running the 7k or 14k race, so please don't turn up 10mins before your start time or you may not get your number!!

You will collect your timing chip from the Lothian Running Club branded gazebo at the BBQ area & you will then self-serve your own number from behind the gazebo - this will match your chip number unless advised otherwise.

** ALL RUNNERS MUST STOP AT THE ROAD CROSSING TO & FROM COCKLEROY - FAILURE TO STOP AT THE ROAD CROSSING MAY RESULT IN THE ROUTE BEING CHANGED IN THE FUTURE - YOU MUST LISTEN TO THE MARSHALS INSTRUCTIONS AT ALL TIMES **

14k & 7k: 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.

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

Start/Finish will be at the BBQ area near Balvormie Car Park, Beecraigs (you cannot park here for the race – see parking details below).

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 (STOP AT THE ROAD CROSSING), then returning to the finish. The longer run is two laps of the above loop. 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 14k and 7k 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 a timing chip at registration on the day. YOU MUST RETURN TIMING CHIP AT THE FINISH LINE.

Age limits:

14k is 18yr and older

7k is 16yr and older

2k 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 marshalled.

Online Entries open on 20th October with entries closing at 23:59 on Friday 18th 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 Foodbank 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 & social media (@lothianrc) for updates on the race status.