If you are looking for a race to test yourself before a longer spring event the perfect solution may come in the form of the Kirkintilloch 12.5K which offers a unique distance over a somewhat challenging course. The 2024 event will be held on Sunday, 11 February on a quiet but 'hilly' country route around Lenzie and Kirkintilloch.

This race really does provide runners with a great opportunity to put winter training to the test! The challenge of the route’s 12 hills is, however, eased by the interest it offers runners. The route is full of history, passing by Scottish landmarks like the Gartshore Estate, one of the country’s earliest railway lines and the famed Irn-Bru factory!

The unusual distance – around 8.75 miles – makes it ideal for tuning up before a spring half or full marathon. Although runners of all abilities are welcome, organisers suggest that participants have a 10K under their belts before taking on their event.

Race organisers, Kirkintilloch Olympians have also announced that the postponed Neil McCover Half Marathon will take place on the same day. The race should have taken place earlier this month, but was cancelled due to flooding on the route. Speaking about the decision to move the race to February, a spokesperson said: "We may have a few spaces available for the half marathon; these will be available from 1 December. The half marathon course will use some of the same route but also other paths and roads around Kirkintilloch.

"In the meantime, if you had already entered and are not able to run on 11 February, let us know as this will free up spaces for others. Please note (in case you are tempted) you cannot run both the half marathon and 12.5K race as they will overlap in time!"

This year's Kirkintilloch 12.5K was won by Steven Lamb of Bellahouston Road Runners in a time of 43:09. It was Kirkintilloch Olympian's very own Annmarie McGregor who took first place woman, beating her own PB by two minutes in a time of 50:30.

If you would like to know more visit the Kirkintilloch 12.5K entry page here.

Image: Kirkintilloch Olympians​​​​​