If there is one word which could sum up this race, it's spartan. This is a race with no mucking about, and very limited perks - but so much fun! Don't believe me that it's fun? Well an initial warning, this race sells out within minutes of going live on entrycentral, so if you do fancy going you better be quick on the uptake. Could all these people be wrong? The race starts at finishes at Tulliallan Police College near Kincardine. There is adequate changing space and an indoor bag drop. If the police have an event on at the college, however, parking can be at a premium. The race route itself is essentially a figure of eight with the cross over point at the water station (i.e. you pass the water station once on the way out, and again on the way back). The race is entirely off road (except for a tiny bit at the start and end) with a mixture of trail, track and fully off road. There is a very boggy patch between about 3-5 km where it often goes yo single file. I would recommend just sticking with it and getting through. This is definitely a trail shoes race. The secenry is ok, but mainly forest. Good if you're a city person but nothing spectacular. So why is it so popular? 1. It's one of the earliest races in the year, and therefore a good test. 2. This race is accessible to those unused to trail but offers a good test to those more used to it. 3. A great and friendly atmosphere! So if you're interested, it usually opens up in mid to late December.