For anyone wanting to give their 2021 a running start, a handful of entries still remain for the both the 5K and 10K events at the Loch Morlich Running Festival.

The festival, organised by Kingussie based Fitness at 58 Degrees, was originally scheduled for August. It will now be held on Saturday, 2 January. The remaining entries, to the afternoon edition of the 10K (2pm–3.30pm) and both morning (9am–10.30am) and afternoon (12.30pm–2pm) editions of the 5K, are only available to residents of Tier 1 and Tier 2 areas. Organisers stress that this restriction will be ‘thoroughly checked’ and that entries from outside those two areas are not allowed. Participants must also stick to their registered slots.

Anyone entering the afternoon 10K event (2pm–3.30pm) must bring a head torch as a precaution. Each event is limited to a maximum of 30 participants and can be run, walked or jogged.

Both runs start at the Hayfield, Glenmore, and follow forest trails with spectacular views of the Cairngorms. The finish will be on the shores of Loch Morlich, near Aviemore. The 10K course will be two loops of the 5.6km route, making 11.2km in total (go figure!)

Entry fees include a socially distanced warm up with Fitnessat58degrees instructor Sam Cairns, timing and results sent out on the day, and a pre-packaged environmentally-friendly bag with water, home-baking and medal. There will also be prizes for winners, donated by Tiso. 

Organisers will also be planting a tree for every 10 entries, through their partners Trees for Life UK.

Entries close tomorrow, Tuesday, 15 December, or when the final places sell out. 

Image courtesy: Fitness @ 58 Degrees