Lothian Running Club Festive Frolics, Beecraigs – Thursday 26th December, 2024
- A Scottish Athletics Licensed Event. A Handicap run over 7 km or 14 km, first runner starts at 10.30am;
- Registration from 9:30 to 10:45
- Beecraigs Bash Run (2.1km approx.) at 11.00am.
- Beecraigs Bash Fun Run (1.1km approx.) at 11.15am.
Start/Finish and Registration at the Balvormie BBQ site
The Courses: Both the 7k and 14k handicap runs use the same, tough loop starting near Balvormie BBQ site (GR 997743) { what 3 words ///slicer.bumping.lightens } heading east through Beecraigs, round Beecraigs Loch, up the Sawmill Hill and returning, via the start 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 at the start, some marshals on the route and tape at critical, non-marshalled junctions.
Map: OS map at the bottom of the page with GPX link.( this may need an update!)
Beecraigs Bash: This is a short run, on woodland paths with no road crossing, starting and finishing near Balvormie BBQ site,
Run of two laps.
Fun Run of one lap
Runners of all ages are welcome though parents should supervise very young competitors. The run starts at 11.00am followed by the Fun Run at 11:15
Enter on the day – only. Entries close at 10:45.
Parking: 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 or the Lochside Car Park car park (What3Words location marshes.coins.prospers). The Balvornie car-park is popular with the general public so please don’t expect to park there.
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 such as Cockleroy there is ‘two way traffic’ – Keep left and take care on the narrower paths.
Your handicap: Your start time is based on your known form or your preference. 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. There will be Chip Start and Chip Finish timing.
Online Entries open from 1st October. Online entries close at 23:59 on Wednesday 20th December, or when the course limit is reached. NO ENTRIES ON THE DAY.
We will need to know your current ‘form’ to allocate a handicap. When entering, please state which distance you want to run, and give some indication of your current form, eg parkrun, 10k, 10 mile or half marathon time so we can allocate a start time.
Entry is free but we would welcome a Charitable donation on the day. We are collecting for the West Lothian Foodbank.
Entries are Open and will close when the entry limit is reached.
Enter here:
We will need to know your current ‘form’ to allocate a handicap. When entering, please state which distance you want to run, and give some indication of your current form, eg 5km, 10k, 10 mile or half marathon time so we can allocate a start time.
Enter at QBuster
Enquiries: Email to Festive Handicap
After the race: Results will be posted later on the Club’s website – https://www.lothianrunningclub.co.uk/ and http://www.scottishathletics.org.uk/ as soon as possible.
Keep it Simple Timing will endeavour to post results live to their website as you finish – internet permitting.
In the event of severe weather (which caused cancellation in 2009 & 10) please check the Club’s website for updates on the race status.
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- Race Day Information
- 1. Keep checking LRC website and Facebook pages in case bad weather causes any disruption of the event such as fallen trees.
- 2. Runners can collect Race Numbers and Timing Chips from 9:30 to 10:45 at Balvormie BBQ Shelter. Start Times will be on the Race Number. Wear the timing chip on your shoe.
- 4. Slowest 14km runners will be off from 10:30, with fastest 7km runners off around 11:30.
- 5. Beecraigs Bash is enter-on-the-day and will start at 11:00 / 11:15. Please register by 10:45.
- 6. Please allow plenty of time to park – see parking information above.
- 7. The course crosses minor roads, and road crossings are marshalled. Please take care and look out for Boxing Day drivers.
- 8. Return your timing chip but take your litter home.
- 9. Access to Cockleroy – courtesy of Mr Aitken, Kipps Farm.
- Race Day Information