East Lothian Cross Country Championship

East Lothian Cross Country Championship 2026

The East Lothian Cross Country Championship takes place at Whitekirk Hill on open hillside terrain. The event features multiple race distances held mostly on footpaths, with specific routes designated for different age groups and preferences. The course is designed for spectators, with the majority of the junior route and the longer lap visible from the start and finish area.

Participants can choose from four distinct distances:

• 9.0 km: A long course consisting of three laps of approximately 3 km each, open to Senior, Masters, and U20 runners.
• 6.0 km: A medium-length course consisting of two laps of approximately 3 km, open to U17 age groups and above.
• 3.0 km: A single lap course available for the U13 age group and older.
• 2.0 km: A junior course of approximately 2 km designed for the U11 age group and below.

The race route is marked with pink flags and direction arrows. For the junior event, children under the age of seven must be accompanied by an adult. Participants in all races undergo a headcount before starting together in their respective waves. Upon finishing, runners receive color-coded tokens corresponding to their course distance to ensure accurate recording of results at the timing station.

Facilities at the Whitekirk Hill complex include parking and toilets. The start and finish areas are located approximately 800 m from the main car park, with the walking route marked by red and white tape. The event has applied for a Scottish Athletics Licence. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.