It is never too early to start making festive plans, and when those plans mean you can eat more of the festive goodies then there's a big incentive! Back once again, the wee county's Tilli 10K will be taking place in the foot of the magnificent Ochil Hills on 29 December and is the perfect excuse to leave your house and do something constructive in that limbo-like Twixmas period.

Having sold out in record time in 2022, organisers stress that if you fancy it in 2023 then you need to sign up quick when entries open. They remarked: "Registration will open on Friday 1 December at 7am on EntryCentral. There will be 750 places this year but no waiting list, so first come, first served. Make sure you set your alarm!"

The start and finish is outside Tillicoultry's Devonvale Hall where participants will enjoy some soup and prize giving post race. The course, for the most part, follows the Devon Way from Tillicoultry to Dollar and back. Apart from two short sections of hardpacked gravel at either end, the route is tarred wide pathway, and to all intents and purposes is flat, sheltered and traffic free.

Speaking about the course, organisers commented: "It’s a fast one, so as such we have had Scottish Athletics accurately measure out 10K. However, the event is open to all, and if pace is not your thing, then you’ve got the lovely Devon River valley to enjoy, as well as views of the Ochil hills."

The inaugural Tilli 10K was held in 2018 with Robbie Simpson and Fiona Matheson the winners. Both course records were broken on the race’s second running in 2019 with Jamie Crowe and Annabel Simpson the winners on that occasion.

After an enforced hiatus in 2020 the race returned in 2021 with Ryan Thomson and Morag Millar claiming victories. Millar also lowered the female course record once again. The 2022 race was a snowy affair with course records never likely but Robbie Simpson claimed his second win with Beth Garland the female winner.

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

Image: PH Racing Club