This year, runners will once again come together to remember one of their own at the Chris Smith Daviot Dash 5K near Inverurie in Aberdeenshire. Smith, an experienced mountain runner, died in the hills around Glen Lyon in October 2020 while out on a training run.

In a change to last year's summer date, the 2023 race will take place on 5 November. Organised by Garioch Road Runners, the event will see runners enjoy a hilly 5K on the quiet roads around Daviot Estate where Chris spent many happy hours when he was growing up.

The course is described as scenic and undulating, consisting of two laps over a mixture of grass, gravel paths and tarmac roads. There will also be a kids 2K fun run which will take place prior to the 'main event'.

In 2022 more than 40 runners took part, but it was Kyle Greig of Metro Aberdeen Running Club who won the race in a fantastic time of 17:41. First female home was Lynsey Brosnan of Davit Lads n Lasses in 25:33.

Following his death, Chris’s family and friends wanted to mark the impact he had on so many people and so the Chris Smith Memorial Fund was born. Enough money was raised to renovate the old pump house in the grounds of Daviot House, transforming it into a place of reflection and remembrance – with a seating area and plaque celebrating the athlete's legacy. Those taking part in the Dash will be able to take some time to reflect and remember the race's namesake before or after the event.

The aim of the fund continues to be the advancement of any running related sport, primarily to children or young people, based in the UK, for the public benefit through the provision of grants or donations to assist in training, participation in competition, or preparation for running related activities.

If you would like to know more, visit the Chris Smith Daviot Dash 5K entry page.

Image: Chris Smith Memorial Fund/Garioch Road Runners