In a brand-new event for Edinburgh dubbed Race The Tram, up to 500 participants will attempt to outpace a tram across the city by racing it back to Edinburgh Park Central (on foot) after first riding it eastward to either St Andrew Square or Newhaven. The challenge, set to take place on 22 June, will require runners to chart their own return route through the capital’s streets - avoiding the tram line itself, which organisers say is 'less direct anyway'.

Runners will board a tram at Edinburgh Park Central and ride it to their chosen starting point, either St Andrew Square (5.5 miles away) or Newhaven (7.5 miles). As soon as they disembark, the real race begins. Their goal is to make it back to the station on foot before the tram, having turned around at the terminus, completes its journey back. To beat the tram, participants will need to complete the 5.5-mile route from St Andrew Square in around 71 minutes or the 7.5-mile stretch from Newhaven in just 50 minutes!

Catriona Bruce of Blast Running said "Join us for a brand new event in Edinburgh’s running scene. Navigate the city. Outsmart the tram. Can you get back before it does? But don’t follow the tram line - you are orienteering your way around town to beat it back to where you got on!”

While final approval from the City of Edinburgh Council is still pending, organisers are optimistic. “We are confident permission will be granted and have opened entries on that basis,” Bruce said.

The event will raise funds for the charity Meningitis Now, chosen in memory of Alexis Rose Glynn, who died of the disease in 2011. Her father Alan Glynn, a regular Blast Running participant and marshal, established the Alexis Rose Fitness Family in her honour.

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

Image: Blast Running