Dechmont Law may be famous for its UFO landing(!) back in 1979, but in recent years it has also become known for its popular summer trail race. Yes, at this June's (25th) 10K Trail Race, you may not see a UFO but you will experience a scenic woodland trail through Livingston's Dechmont Law Park which was the site of a very unusual encounter known as the ‘Robert Taylor’ incident... Google it!

The course follows a scenic, undulating woodland trail, mostly on firm paths with some short tarmac sections. Also on offer on the same day is a Junior 2.5K which follows a single loop of paths around Dechmont Law. The 10K starts with the same loop and then follows a longer loop past the Alien Stone then to the North Wood before returning to Dechmont Law.

The route is one of many created by British long distance runner, Martin Hyman. Organisers comment: "No one route might claim to be The Martin Hyman Run and Martin’s modesty would have vetoed such a title. So we invite you to enjoy 'A Martin Hyman Run'."

In 2022 the race was won by Thomas Ferrington of Corstorphine AAC who clocked a time of 37:36 while the women's title was claimed by his Corstorphine team-mate Lisa Christy in 46:13.

X-Files fans and UFO-hunters are all welcome, and will be even more keen when they hear this fiinal word from organising club - Lothian RC : "We can’t promise you’ll see a 'flying dome' on the day, but you never know - you may well bump into an alien!"

If you'd like to know more, visit the Lothian Running Club website.

Image: Pixabay