5K races near St Andrews

The Perth Running Festival begins and ends at Perth Racecourse in Perth, Scotland, with the Half Marathon start located before the grandstand. This road running event offers three distances: a Half Marathon, a 7.5km race, and a 1 mile fun run, also known by the racecourse-style name “8 Furlong.” The Half Marathon course is flat and fast, suitable for runners aiming for a personal best or those new to the distance. The route traces the River Tay, goes by Scone Palace, and incorporates North Inch parkland before crossing parts of the city. Most of the course utilizes traffic-free park paths, riverside stretches, and paths around the racecourse, blending open green areas with urban running. The shorter races remain near the racecourse and adjacent paths, whereas the Half Marathon extends further along the river and through the adjacent parkland. Scone Palace provides the event's primary historical connection, linked to the Stone of Destiny and the coronations of Scottish monarchs.

The Scurry Around Tentsmuir Forest Trail Running Festival begins in Tayport, Fife, with routes extending into Tentsmuir Forest, situated between Dundee and St Andrews. Scurry Events organizes the festival, with Peter Ness as the listed organiser. The race options include a half marathon, 10K, 5K, and a 1.2K family run. This is a mixed-terrain trail event, not a road race, and the start area is connected to the Larick Centre. The longer races feature distinct one-lap courses; the half marathon, 10K, and 5K runners will not repeat the same short loop. The routes, which are marked and marshalled, traverse forest trails, woodland tracks, coastal paths, sand dunes, and open coastal stretches around Tentsmuir. This setup accommodates various runners, from those new to trail running to individuals seeking a more extensive forest and coastal challenge. The festival also provides support to the Tayport Community Trust and Larick Centre, establishing a local community connection beyond the races.

MoRun Edinburgh takes place in late November in Edinburgh, Scotland, offering four distances: 1.5 km, 5 km, 10 km, and a half marathon (21.0975 km). As part of the MoRun series, its flexible format allows participants to select a distance suited to their preferences, rather than a single mandatory race. The 10 km is the most frequently chosen distance, with the 1.5 km option providing a shorter route for families and novice runners. The event welcomes beginners, seasoned runners, couples, and families. The Edinburgh location allows participants to explore city sights and heritage along the road courses.

The Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill Trail Runs begin and end at Hermitage of Braid House in Edinburgh, offering 10km, 5km, and 1.2km distances. The primary races are single-lap, mixed-terrain trail runs crossing the Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill nature reserve. Both the 10km and 5km courses ascend Blackford Hill. Runners gain open views across Edinburgh and the Forth from the higher elevations. The shorter Festive Fun Run follows the main drive to Hermitage House and returns. Participants in the fun run receive elf hats, and festive attire is encouraged. Proceeds benefit South Morningside Primary School and Friends of the Hermitage. Finishers are provided with refreshments and a memento following marked, marshaled routes.

The Edinburgh MoRun takes place in Holyrood Park during November, offering 1.5k, 5k, 10k, and half marathon distances. All races commence and conclude on Queens Drive. This event is integrated into the MoRunning series, which supports Movember. Consequently, the day emphasizes men's health fundraising alongside race completion. The designated causes are prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention, all linked to the event's moustache motif. The Mini MoRun provides a chip-timed 1.5k for children. Adults can select from a 5k run up to a half marathon. Participants receive a MoRunning medal and headband. Additional awards are presented to the fastest MoBro and MoSista, alongside spot prizes for the best costumes and moustaches. The event accommodates families, novices, club athletes, charity participants, and children. Donations to Movember can be made during the registration process.

The Edinburgh Christmas Running Festival takes place in Inverleith Park, Edinburgh, offering 5K, 10K, and Junior 1.5K races. The 5K begins in the morning, followed by the 10K, and the under-16 junior race provides a shorter option for younger participants. The event is designed for a wide range of runners, with all participants receiving chip timing. All activities are centered at the Inverleith Park start area, where runners can pick up their race numbers and timing chips on the day. The event is managed by Terry Crossley, awards every finisher a unique medal, and is a recurring fixture for many as an early indicator of the Christmas running season in Edinburgh.

The Great Perthshire Last Mince Pie Run is a New Year run in North Inch Park, Perth, Scotland. The main distance is 5K, with a 1K option available, starting at 11am. It is for people wanting a gentle fitness restart after Christmas and for runners seeking a January effort. The route loops around Inch Park, using its grassland and paths. Scurry Events organises the run, affiliated with Great Scottish Events. Terry Crossley is listed as organiser. Each runner receives a final mince pie of the festive season, a finisher's medal, and a New Year Resolution Certificate. Friends, families, colleagues, beginners, and regular runners are invited to treat it as a low-pressure start to the year.