Festive Handicap - Linlithgow
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Festive Handicap - Linlithgow
The Festive Handicap is organised by Lothian Running Club and takes place on 26th December 2026 at Balvormie, Beecraigs Country Park near Linlithgow, West Lothian. Entry is free; the event collects donations for West Lothian Foodbank on the day. Recent collections were 111 kg in 2023, 144 kg in 2024 and 174 kg in 2025, reported as equating to 420 meals.
Distances offered:
- 14 km two laps of the main loop
- 7 km one lap of the main loop
- 2 km kids race two laps of a 1 km loop
- 1 km kids race one lap of a 1 km loop
The 7 km and 14 km races are run as a handicap: start times are based on estimated finish times and participants may not enter both races. Numbers and timing chips are collected at the Lothian Running Club gazebo at the BBQ area; participants self-serve their number and must return the timing chip at the finish. Some entries open and close on set dates and entries may close when course limits are reached; no entries are accepted on the day except for last-minute kids race entries.
The course is a loop from Balvormie Car Park through Beecraigs, around the loch, up Sawmill hill, past the play area and up Cockleroy before returning. Surfaces vary from short tarmac sections to firm trails, rough tracks and grass slopes; some sections can be wet or muddy and narrow paths may have two-way traffic. Parking is mainly at Hillhouse with secondary parking at the Visitor Centre and Balvormie car park, each about a 1 km walk to the start. Age limits apply to each race and marshals and signs will be in place. All runners must stop at the road crossing to and from Cockleroy and follow marshal instructions. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
