A new running challenge with a strong charitable focus is taking place this weekend in Edinburgh, as Earth in Common hosts the Croftathon at Leith Links on Burns Day, Sunday 25 January. With the event just days away, runners and walkers are being encouraged to get involved and help raise vital funds for a much-loved local project.

The Croftathon offers a flexible and inclusive challenge, inviting participants to run or walk 5K within one hour. Finish after one lap or choose to repeat the distance hour after hour, up to a maximum of 12 hours. Organisers say: "This format allows people to take breaks, pace themselves or return later in the day, provided no more than 5K is completed within any one clock hour. Relay teams are also welcome, allowing groups to share the challenge between multiple participants."

The runner covering the most kilometres will top the leaderboard, while anyone completing the full 60K across the 12 hours will earn the title Hero of the Croft. The format is inspired by backyard ultra events and classic endurance challenges, offering participants the choice to stop after one loop or keep going to see just how far they can go.

The aim of the Croftathon is to raise £10,000 to support Leith Community Croft, which for the past 12 years has been a place where people come together to grow food, learn skills and care for both the land and one another. With rising costs and increasing pressure on grassroots funding, the funds raised this weekend will help secure the Croft’s future into 2026.

Participants can fundraise through donations or sponsorship, whether they are completing a single 5K loop or committing to several hours of running or walking. Open to all abilities, the Croftathon is as much about participation and support as it is about endurance.

If you'd like to know more, visit the Croftathon entry page.

Image: Leith Community Croft Facebook