Blow off the cobwebs and start 2024 as you mean to go on at Scotland's first 10K of the year! The Lumphanan Detox 10K is set to take place on 2 January and offers runners a fantastic opportunity to test both lungs and stamina as they run off festive indulgences!

Over 4,000 people have participated in the Detox since it started in 2004, Scotland's first 10K event of the year has grown in popularity and is now a well known event on the Scottish circuit.

The 10K (almost circular) course begins with a long, steady incline - lasting about 2K. It is hard work getting to the top of this; but once you are at the top it is pretty well downhill or flat for the rest of the course. At about 6.5K the route veers off the tarmac road and onto a farm track. There is a small incline at this point but it doesn't last long. This 'off road' section lasts for about a kilometre. Conditions here may be a bit tricky.

Registration in 2024 will be at Lumphanan Primary School Hall and not in the Village Hall as per previous years. There will be a commemorative gift, snack and water at the finish line and soup and hot or cold beverages will be served in the school hall for all runners after the race.

There will be prizes for 1st and 2nd male and female finishers in each category as well as 1st male and female with Lumphanan postal address. For those who like to have a target, the course records to beat are male: 31:09 and female: 35:44!

In 2023 over 450 runners took part with Ian Russell of Fleet Feet securing victory in 37:57 while the first female home was Veronique Oldham of Cosmics in 42:55.

If you'd like to know more, visit the Lumphanan Detox 10K website.

Image: Lumphanan Community Recreation Association