Fife's only half marathon will make its return for 2023 and, with the exciting news that it will be hosting the East District Half Marathon Championships, there has already been plenty of attention for August's Kirkcaldy Half. Part of the wider Kirkcaldy Parks Running Festival, the event weekend (scheduled for 26/27 August) also includes a 5 Mile Trail Race.

Speaking about the decision to host the championships at Kirkcaldy, an event spokesperson said: "This is a huge endorsement of the race and Kirkcaldy in general. The first time for 23 years the championship has been held in Fife, and it’s thanks to the hard work of the committee, Fife Council and local elected members. We hope that, as per previously, the whole town embraces the festival."

Affectionately known as the ‘Lang Toun’, made famous by Michael Nairn producing linoleum and also the birthplace of Adam Smith, social philosopher and economist, Kirkcaldy's half takes in some of the town’s famous landmarks including Beveridge Park, Dunnikier Park and Ravenscraig Park as well as the beautiful coastal path with stunning sea views and historical Dysart.

The final few miles also take in the newly refurbished Waterfront where there is a flat measured mile used for the local running clubs and walkers to enjoy. Organisers have said of the route: "Also included in the route are free hills; fast flats and downhills for that elusive PB search!"

The trail race will take place the day before the half marathon (26 August), and will take place in Dunnikier Park. A spokesperson from the organising committee said: "Alongside the Half Marathon that started us off in 2019, we’ve also had a terrific response to our trail events in the last few years and we're delighted to be doing it all over again in 2023 with both events happening over two days on the same weekend!"

"Our idea is to encourage people to the explore and enjoy the parks around Kirkcaldy and, in keeping with that concept, we are moving this year’s event to Dunnikier. The route will be approimately 5 miles starting in the grounds of the park before heading out through the gently undulating surrounding woodland areas and the tracks around the outside of the golf course."

If you'd like to know more about either race, visit the Kirkcaldy Parks Running Festival Facebook page.

Image: Kirkcaldy Parks Running Festival Facebook