Blast 5km Series @ The Meadows

Blast Running are back at The Meadows on Tuesday 22 December for the final race of their 5km series. It's a lunchtime road race on a flat, traffic-free course through the heart of the park, and this one is Race 6, the sixth in a monthly sequence that's been running throughout the year. The course is officially measured and licensed, and Blast Running describes it as a cheeky mid-week speed session open to runners of all abilities, from beginners to experienced club runners, and to anyone aged 11 and over.

Every race is chip-timed, with results submitted to Run Britain Rankings and Scottish Athletics. There are prizes for the first male and female across a range of age categories, so you'll get a proper time regardless of where you place. At the finish, runners are looked after with water, tea and themed post-race snacks.

There's a charitable side to it too. Blast Running has been raising money for local causes since their first event on 29 September 2019, with over £40,000 gone to the RNLI, SSAFA and the Scottish Refugee Council. The series is run by the club, and that community feel carries through to the finish line.

Entry is £7 for Scottish Athletics members and £10 for non-members, both of which include the Scottish Athletics insurance levy. If you want a finisher's medal, that's an optional £5 extra. The race starts at 12:45 PM at East Meadows Play Park on Melville Drive (EH9 1ND), and registration opens at 12:00 PM on the day.