Edinburgh-based Blast Running has two festive treats in store for runners this December - and there is still time to take your place in both of them. 

Up first on 18 December is the Santa Dash which is now in its third year and is a firm festive favourite amongst Blast's regular runners! Organisers say: "Dress up as a Christmas pudding, an inflatable turkey (yes this has happened) or just come along in your running kit and hope not to be called Scrooge!"


The event caters for runners of all standards with a 1 mile Santa Dash now also part of the day's itinerary. This has joined the ranks alongside other distances - a 7K, 14K or 21K dash. We've been told that the 21K race is actually a little bit more than 21K, to make it an official half marathon!

This year's event will take place at Gypsy Brae Recreation Ground, Silverknowes and Young Lives vs Cancer (formally CLIC Sargent) will benefit from each entry; £3 from every Kids 1 mile Santa Dash entry and £1 from every 7K/14K/21K entry will be donated to the charity.

A couple of days later on 20 December you are invited to make your way to The Meadows in Edinburgh for a 5K and mulled wine! Organisers say of this fun and friendly festive affair: "Come join us for a quick 5K Blast around the Meadows and go back to work feeling great! Your race, your pace. Oh and did we mention mulled wine?!"

This is the December outing of the monthly lunchtime 5K around The Meadows for which Blast Running are famous. There are always hot drinks and Cadbury's Heroes on offer for all finishers and to mark December's outing there will also be mulled wine and mince pies for everyone!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
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The monthly Tuesday lunchtime 5K races are held at The Meadows, Melville Drive and are open to anyone over 9-years-old. They are chip timed, officially distance measured and times are sent to Run Britain Rankings. However, organisers are keen to stress: "Please don’t be put off if you’re not a speed king or queen – we support every kind of runner and you’ll be cheered over the line no matter your pace. And that couldn't be truer in December!"

If you'd like to know more visit the Blast Running website here.

Image: Blast Running.