Carnegie Harriers' popular Devilla Forest 5K and 15K races will return in February 2025, but as ever you will need to be quick to secure a spot as they regularly achieve sell-out status! The races are scheduled to take place on Sunday 9 February and there is a contingency plan should severe weather cause problems, a spokesperson said: "If bad weather or other external factors outwith our control, causes us to cancel the Devilla trail races we will hold the races on 16 February instead."

Both races start and finish in the grounds of the Scottish Police College at Tulliallan. The 15K follows a 'relatively flat' anti-clockwise loop of Devilla Forest, taking in a mix of forest roads, paths and tracks. The route skirts three lochs and goes through a variety of sheltered woodland and open ground. The 5K follows a similarly flattish anti-clockwise loop predominantly on forest roads around the Moor Loch within Devilla Forest.

There is an extensive range of prizes in all age categories for both races. Organisers told us: "Once again, we are very fortunate to be supported by Run4It, Edinburgh and all entrants to both the 15K and 5K will receive a Run4It discount voucher. We are also very grateful to Williams Bros Brewery, Alloa for their support and all runners on the day will receive a can of beer (a non-alcoholic version will be available)."

In 2024 three course records were set. In the men's 15K race Aberdeen AAC's Michael Ferguson clocked 51:34 taking 25 seconds off the previous record that was set by James Waldie in 2023. In the 5K Ben Kinninmonth, of Fife AC ran 16:24 bettering the previous course record of 16:35, which was set by Michael Healy in 2018.

The women's 5K race was won by Corrie McGougan of Falkirk Victoria Harriers, who set a new female course record of 18:17.

If you'd like to know more, visit the Carnegie Harriers website.

Image: Carnegie Harriers Facebook