1,200 runners get on their marks for the first Black Rock 5 race since 2019

Almost 1,200 runners will take part in this year’s Black Rock 5 race in Fife.

In this unique road and beach event runners take to the sands off Kinghorn at low tide and pass behind the Black Rock, half a mile off the coast.

Today’s race is the first since 2019 and entrants are coming from as far afield as the Netherlands and Germany.

The hugely popular race has been organised by the McKay family of Kinghorn for the past 30 years, and they plough all the money raised back into the community.

Recipients have included the RNLI, Kinghorn in Bloom and the Children’s Gala.

Mairi McKay said: “The Black Rock 5 is a favourite in the running calendar and what makes it so special is the support from the community. “Kinghorn comes alive. “We’re a small burgh and there’s a strong sense

of community with everybody coming out to support the racers.”

Mairi’s dad John takes part in the race and she is part of the support team with mum Margaret, sisters Fiona and Catriona and an army of 70 volunteers.

Runners will gather at the starting line in Rossland Place to await the starter’s pistol at 7.45pm.

They will then take off through the town to the beach and the Black Rock.

There will also be a piper stationed on the rock to help them on their way.

The Black Rock 5 is so called because the course was initially thought to be five miles long.

However, it is actually around 4.3 miles, or seven kilometres.

Mairi added: “It’s such a special event and we all appreciate the scenery on our doorstep, with the beautiful beach and the views of the Forth bridges.”

Running across the sand at low tide in the 2019 race.