With just over a week until Christmas, you may have other things on your mind - but signing up for a New Year race makes perfect sense from a training point of view and will give you something to aim for in the drab days of January! If you are looking for a race to test yourself before a longer spring event then the perfect solution may come in the form of the Kirkintilloch 12.5K which offers a unique distance over a somewhat challenging course.

The 2023 event will be held on Sunday, 12 February on a quiet but 'hilly' country route around Lenzie and Kirkintilloch - this race really does provide runners with a great opportunity to put winter training to the test! The challenge of the route’s 12 hills is, however, eased by the interest it offers runners. The route is full of history, passing by Scottish landmarks like the Gartshore Estate, one of the country’s earliest railway lines and the Irn-Bru factory itself.  

The unusual distance – around 8.75 miles – makes it ideal for tuning up before a spring half or full marathon. Although runners of all abilities are welcome, organisers suggest that participants have a 10K under their belts before taking on their event. Organisers say: "As usual we are offering a challenging race over this unusual distance but one that attracts hundreds of runners. So don't delay as the race fills up quickly."

Held since 2006, the Kirkintilloch 12.5K is firmly established as the test of many runners’ winter training and attracts runners from far and wide. This year's race saw an impressive entry from clubs across Scotland with half the field representing a local club or group. This, of course, meant that there was strong competition for prizes. 

Podium places went to Darren Thom of Metro Aberdeen who won the race and first female was Alicia Paton of Cumbernauld AAC. Olympic marathoner Derek Hawkins (Kilbarchan AAC) has held the course record of 39.50 since 2013 while the women’s record was reset to 47.10 by Sale Harrier Sophie Wood at the 2020 staging. 

If you would like to know more visit the Kirkintilloch 12.5K Facebook page here.

Image: Kirkintilloch Olympians