First of all I've got to say that this is one of my favourite races, so it may be a slightly biased review! Nevertheless here we go - you can always try it yourself and disagree!

 

The race itself is just under 5 miles, and runs from the village of Kinghorn on the Fife coast. Starting by the railway bridge there's a short uphill section before a long downhill to the beach. You then run along the sand into the sea (yes really!) to the Blackrock. Circling round the Blackrock you run back along the beach into the village taking a long gradual uphill. The race then finishes with a short but stupid gradient of a hill into the centre of the village. There is no medal but you get a free beer at the end and there are charity t-shirts available to purchase.

 

So what do you need to know?

 

1. This race is as bonkers as it sounds, but is so much fun 
2. The view of 1,000 runners on the sand in the early summer sun is incredible
3. You will get wet! Bring a change of clothes. There are changing facilities. Depending on your height the water will be anywhere between your knee and thigh.
4. The race is limited in numbers and sells out FAST (about 25 minutes in 2019). If you want to get a place look out for Facebook announcements on when the entry central opens and be prepared to sign up. The race is always on a Friday night at low tide, so the date changes a bit but is always late May/early June

The Black Rock 5 is a race like no other. And what a race. The event takes place in Kinghorn which is a small town in Fife. This race sells out within hours so need to get online early and book a spot. Race starts in the town on the roads and heads down to the beach where you tackle a short section of soft sand before hitting the wet stuff and decent underfoot. You head out towards the sea for around 1.5 miles and go round the rock with your feet and maybe knees getting wet depending on the tide and of course how tall you are. You head back along the sand towards the town and back up a short hill towards the finish. You head down a short road and the corner and the last 200 metres are up a steep hill to the finish while the locals cheer you on. A water, banana and well deserved local beer awaits you at the finish which is a welcome reward. This is a tough 7K but a great experience and race. After the race the organisers hand out prizes for all age catergories and put on burgers and beers to add to a great atmosphere on the night. Always on a Friday and date depends on the tide times. Changing area and drop off provided. Tip: Run in older trainers and have fresh trainers and socks for after as you will get wet.

This is a very unusual race.

A 5 mile race to a set of rocks in the middle of the Firth of Forth and back again. The route starts in the small town of Kinghorn with changing and bag drop in the local school and library. Initially running through streets you soon hit the beach an run out over sand to a set of rocks in the middle of Pettycur Bay. Although the race is timed for the tides being out you will get your feet wet. After looping the rocks you run back to town finishing on a monster hill in the centre. This has become a fixture in the town of Kinghorn and many locals will come out to cheer.

There are no medals but you finish with a cracking local beer! T shirts (cotton) can also be bought for about £10.

The date of this race changes slightly each year as it always on a Friday but has to be timed for a day when the tides are suitable. It is always in late May/early June and sells out fast! Entry via entry central.

As you will get wet make sure and bring an older pair of shoes and a change.

This is a fantastic and fun race set in wonderful natural surroundings - the image of runners coming over the sands in the summer evening is iconic and will be one you won't forget.

A unique race - I would have no hesitation in adding this to your bucket list. 

This race is different. 

You start on road, going slightly uphill then hard down towards the beach. Once onto the beach, it’s out across the sand, and as it’s low tide, you make your way around the eponymous Black Rock. At this point, it was almost knee deep. 

Runners then retrace their steps, with a punishing last 150m up a steep hill to the finish. 

Extraordinary. 

Iconic. 

Superb.