If you are looking to run alongside (or maybe just behind) some of Scotland's speediest sprinters, then Edinburgh's Sri Chinmoy 5K is the place to be. The event, set for Friday 5 May, traditionally attracts the some of the best runners in Scotland and produces one of the most competitive in-depth fields of any short road race.

The race will also be a part of 2023's Scottish Athletics Road Champs Series, probably because the course is a simple, flat out and back along the banks of the River Forth, making it perfect for fast times and PBs.

But despite attracting top club runners and Scottish internationals, organisers welcome runners of all standards to enter the event. They say: “Whatever your standard, the momentum of this event from the start line to the finish line seems to bring the best out of everyone and gets the adrenaline flowing.

"Whether you are challenging for national medals, or intent on lowering that recent or longstanding PB, this race will offer the opportunity that you are looking for.”

In 2022, 245 runners finished inside 18 minutes, while 376 went under 20. In a field of 520 runners, that demonstrates the speeds that are recorded at this event, indeed only three runners in total went 30 minutes or more.

Jonathan Glen of Inverclyde AC took the title in 14.26, just nine seconds outside the course record set by Calum Hawkins in 2016. In the ladies' race, Annabel Simpson claimed victory in 16:28.

If you'd like to know more, visit the Sri Chinmoy Races website.

Image: Run and Become