You will need to be quick if you want to bag one the few remaining places at one of the Central Belt's most popular races, the Linlithgow 10K. The event which is scheduled for 29 September takes in a route around the ancient and royal burgh of Linlithgow, halfway between Falkirk and Edinburgh and the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots.

Organised, as always, by Linlithgow Athletic Club. In past years, around 40% of the event’s participants have come from the local area. As is tradition, the race will start at the Cross on Linlithgow High Street and finish in the historic Linlithgow Palace Peel area.

Participants will once again be able to make use of the service of pacers to help them make their way round the ‘undulating’ and ‘quite challenging’ route. Target finish times for the pacers will range from 40 to 65 minutes. For logistical reasons, the course time limit remains at 100 minutes, after which point the route and finish area will be dismantled.

Speaking about their event, organisers commented: "The event raises a modest amount of money that is used to help fund the work the club does in promoting and providing opportunities for athletics in our community. No individuals within our organisation gain financially from the event in any way."

In exciting news for competitive runners, it has been announced that this year's 10K will have double the prize money for the top three finishers in each category. Organisers say: "That means £400 for 1st place, £200 for 2nd, £150 for 3rd, £50 for 4th and £20 for 5th in the senior category. We then offer £100, £80 and £40 in the V40 category, prizes for the V50-V80 age categories as well as team prizes!"

If you'd like to know more, visit the Linlithgow AC website.

Image: WJM Linlithgow 10K Facebook