Five places. That's all that remained at the time of writing for the Frostbite Trail Race on Sunday 10 January 2027, and runners hoping to join the winter adventure in Fife will need to move quickly. There's an added attraction this year too, with the popular event swapping Lochore Meadows for the woodland trails of Balbirnie Park in Markinch.

Organised by Nuts Trail Races, Frostbite has earned a reputation for providing a proper winter challenge, with mud, water crossings and unpredictable January conditions all part of the experience. The move from Lochore Meadows, which hosted the 2026 edition, gives returning competitors a new setting to explore and perhaps a few fresh obstacles to negotiate.

The course covers approximately four to five miles through Balbirnie's woodland surroundings, combining natural trails, wet ground and a few undulations. It's an event that welcomes everyone from trail running newcomers to experienced competitors, although the terrain promises considerably more variety than an ordinary Sunday morning road run. Anyone determined to keep their trainers clean might want to reconsider.

There's plenty of competitive interest too, with prizes for the leading three men and women alongside winners in the over 40, 50, 60 and 70 age categories. Every finisher receives a bespoke medal, while event sponsor Badass Brewing Co. will provide craft beer spot prizes for selected participants.

Race headquarters will be at 252 Memorial Hall in Markinch, with runners setting off at 11am for their first muddy adventure of the new year.

With only five places remaining when this story was prepared, Frostbite looks set for another full field. 

Anyone hoping to experience the new Balbirnie course can check the latest availability and enter via the runABC Race Hub. Just don't expect to finish with clean trainers.

Image courtesy runABC Creative.