After the success of last year's inaugural Scottish Running Week the initiative will return in 2024, happening 3 – 9 June. The event will see the entire running community come together to celebrate the positive impact that running and athletics has, whilst raising funds to support disadvantaged communities across Scotland in aid of Athletics Trust Scotland.

Organisers, Athletics Trust Scotland say: "This year we are back with an important theme - ‘inclusivity'. All funds raised throughout the week will be used to give disadvantaged communities that are under-represented in the sport a chance to take part in athletics and running. We will do this through our Transforming Lives Grant Fund – given out to organisations and clubs throughout Scotland who also share our mission.

"By taking part in Scottish Running Week, you will quite simply make our sport more inclusive for those who have disabilities, live in poverty and/or ethnically and culturally diverse communities."

There are various ways to get involved throughout the week. Try listening to podcasts of inspirational running stories or signing up for the "Tales of the Track and Trails" Panel featuring Jasmin Paris, Eilidh Doyle, Alice Goodall and Joanna Robertson at Peffermill Playing Fields, Edinburgh or online on 31 May.

You could also take part in the ‘5K – Any Way’ Challenge. Organisers explain: "Our challenge is simple. We want you to assemble your club mates or work colleagues and walk, jog, run or wheel a 5K at any point during Scottish Running Week."

Events already scheuled include the 5K Handicap in Inverurie which will take place over the same course as Uryside Parkrun. There is also the Aberdeen Mural Run which will be held across Aberdeen on the first weekend of the Nuart Festival! The run will be lead by qualified run leaders and will start and finish at Brewdog Castlegate Bar with the route being no longer than 8K.

If you'd like to know more, visit the Scottish Running Week website.

Image: Blast Running