LOTHIAN RUNNING CLUB - DECHMONT LAW TRAIL RACE FESTIVAL

Sunday 15 June 2025

10K Race, 6.5K Race, and Junior 2.5K Race

Lothian Running Club is delighted to offer you the opportunity to take part in this year’s Dechmont Trail Race Festival on the morning of Sunday 15 June. Last year’s event was a sell out and this year is expected to be bigger and better than ever as we celebrate the 25^th Anniversary of Lothian Running Club!

Whether you're a seasoned trail racer, or a newbie, there's something for everyone:

• 10K Adult Race: The classic challenge for those who love to push their limits.
• 6.5K Adult Race: A shorter distance, ideal for trail racing beginners or those who prefer a shorter distance.
• 2.5K Junior Race: Perfect for our young, energetic runners.

And the best part? Every finisher receives a special 25^th anniversary medal - a tangible reminder of their accomplishment and hard work plus the promise of our famous home baking buffet!

THE COURSE

The course follows a scenic, undulating woodland trail, mostly on firm paths with some short tarmac sections. The junior race follows a loop around the paths around Dechmont Law. The 6.5K race goes past the Alien Stone to the North Wood before returning to Dechmont Law. The 10K is a combination of the 2.5K and 6K loops plus a little bit extra in between.

We may have to alter the route and distance due to forestry or other essential maintenance work. If the race is cancelled due to severe weather conditions or any other unforeseen circumstances, it’ll be rescheduled to a later date. Dogs and pushchairs are not allowed on any race.

The route will be well marked, and there’ll be plenty of marshals, as well as a tail runner for all races. In the interests of the safety of both competitors and marshals there will be a 1 hour 45 min cut off for the 10K.

RACE START POINT & REGISTRATION

All races will start and finish at the same place in Dechmont Law Park, accessible via Eastwood Park, Livingston. Registration will also take place in this area.

PARKING & TOILETS

Parking and toilets will be available at Deans Community High School, Livingston, EH54 8PS. Marshals will be in the car park to direct you to the registration and start area. There are no toilet facilities on the route.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Event Officials, including 2Fast2Photo, will be taking photographs and videos during the event. These may be shared on social media, within the club for display purposes, and in other written and online publications. If you do not wish to appear in any photos or videos, please email us at trail@lothianrunningclub.co.uk.

TIMING, RESULTS & PRIZES

All races will be chip timed by Keep it Simple Timing and every finisher receives a special 25^th anniversary medal. Results will be posted as soon as possible at www.kitst.co.uk. They will also be shared on the Lothian Running Club public Facebook page. 

Subject to entry numbers, we will once again be awarding cash prizes this year. Confirmation of prizes will be published ahead of the race and included in your final race instructions email. The proposed prizes are as follows:

10K Race 

• 1^st male and female receive £35 + trophy + set a new course record and receive an additional £65. Course records are currently 35:19 for male and 39:08 for female
• 2^nd male and female receive £25 + trophy
• 3^rd male and female receive £20 + trophy
• 1^st male and female in V40 category receive £15
• 1^st male and female in V50 category receive £15
• 1^st male and female in V60 category receive £15
• 1^st male and female in V70 category receive £15

In line with other events, those finishing 1^st, 2^nd or 3^rd overall will not also collect an age group prize.

6.5K Race

• 1^st male and female receive £20 + trophy
• 2^nd male and female receive £15 + trophy
• 3^rd male and female receive £10 + trophy

2.5K Junior Race

• 1^st male and female receive £20 + trophy
• 2^nd male and female receive £15 + trophy
• 3^rd male and female receive £10 + trophy

FIRST AID & SAFETY

Events like this can be strenuous and the organisers cannot accept responsibility for any accidents or injuries. By entering this race you are confirming you understand that participation at this event is at your own risk. First-Aid teams will be available at the start/finish area and water station. Anyone withdrawing during the race should report to the nearest marshal.

RULES

The event will be licenced by Scottish Athletics and will be held under UKA rules. Copies of the UKA rulebook can be found here. 

RACE HISTORY

The course is one of many created by Martin Hyman, a founding member of Lothian Running Club. There are others throughout Scotland including the Cockleroy Chaser and the World Mountain Running Championships.  No one route might claim to be The Martin Hyman Run and Martin’s modesty would have vetoed such a title. So we invite you to enjoy A Martin Hyman Run. The crucial question is “Did you enjoy it?”

The course runs through Dechmont Law Park in Livingston, famous for the Robert Taylor Incident back in 1979! Whilst Robert walked along a forest path up the side of Dechmont Law with his dog, he reported seeing what he described as a “flying dome” hovering above the forest floor in a clearing.

We can’t promise you’ll see a “flying dome” on the day, but you never know – you may well bump into an alien!

ABOUT LOTHIAN RUNNING CLUB

Lothian Running Club, founded in 2000, is a friendly and enthusiastic running club based in Livingston, West Lothian. Our mission is to make running affordable and accessible for everyone.

Coached sessions for adults take place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. There’s also a social run on a Wednesday evening. If you can run 5K without stopping, there’s a group for you!

We have a very active junior section and welcome youngsters from 8+. In spite of our name, junior athletes are also exposed to jump and throw events as well as running. Junior training sessions take place on a Tuesday evening.

FURTHER INFORMATION

If you have any questions, or you're interested in joining Lothian Running Club, please get in touch with us at trail@lothianrunningclub.co.uk.