Chariots Of Fire runners recreate famed film scene on West Sands

More runners than ever will take to a Fife beach to recreate the opening scenes of a classic film shot there.

More than 600 people are to take part in the Chariots Of Fire Run on St Andrews’ West Sands on Sunday.

The five-kilometre race will mirror the first few moments of the 1981 Oscar-winning film Chariots Of Fire, which tells the story of two athletes in the 1924 Olympics.

Sunday’s participants will wear white T-shirts like the film’s actors, as they race across the sands to the famous theme music by Vangelis.

They will also add to the £18,000 that the annual race has raised since it was launched seven years ago, with the proceeds going to local charity Worldwide Cancer Research.

Race director Ben MacLeod, who lost his aunt to cancer, said: “This Sunday is going to be the biggest and best race yet, with every place now sold out.

“And with so many of us affected by cancer, it’s brilliant that one of the most highlyanticipated local events is also raising money for an incredible cause.”

Dr Helen Rippon, chief executive of Worldwide Cancer Research, which is based in St Andrews, will run the race for the second time.

She said: “St Andrews is a town with a strong community spirit, but also one with a global outlook.

“All funds raised on Sunday will go straight to supporting our research – finding pioneering ways to fight cancer, all over the world.

“I’m excited to join hundreds of runners for what will be a fantastic event.” The race starts at noon. A one-mile fun run for children starts at 11.30am.