Perth Running Festival Ready To Write Its Next Chapter
After a successful debut in 2026, Perth Running Festival returns on 1 August 2027 with three distances and a spectacular Perth Racecourse setting....
This relates to: Perth Half Marathon & Runfest
Perth Half Marathon & Runfest will return for its second edition on Sunday 1 August 2027, building on the successful launch of an event that has quickly found a distinctive place on Scotland's running calendar.
The festival centres on Perth Racecourse, with the setting allowing runners to follow in the footsteps of rather different sporting competitors before crossing their own finish line in front of the grandstand.
The flagship Perth Half Marathon combines that unusual start and finish with a scenic journey through the Fair City. Runners follow the banks of the River Tay, Scotland's longest river, with views towards Scone Palace before passing through the North Inch and into Perth itself. The course is certified as accurate by Scottish Athletics and has been designed to appeal both to first timers and runners chasing a personal best.
History provides much of the character. Scone Palace is closely associated with the Stone of Destiny and the crowning of Scottish monarchs, giving the organisers plenty of justification for their "It's Your Destiny" theme.
There are two shorter options in 2027. The Destiny 7.5K uses a traffic free out and back course from Perth Racecourse, following the New Kingsway and crossing the River Tay on the new Destiny Bridge before returning towards the grandstand.
The 8 Furlong 1 Mile Fun Run completes the programme, providing children, families and newcomers with an opportunity to experience the festival atmosphere over a much more accessible distance.
Macmillan Cancer Support and the MND Association are the event's charity partners, while Perth and Kinross Council, Perth Racecourse, Scottish Athletics and SheRaces are among the organisations supporting the festival.
After establishing the event in 2026, the task now is to build on that foundation. With three distances, an historic racecourse setting and the River Tay running through its identity, Perth Running Festival already has plenty that makes it recognisably its own.
Entries are already available via the runABC race hub here.
Image courtesy Perth Runfest.
