EVENT INFORMATION
There is a LOT of information below, but here is the most important thing I'd like you to read:
1. Please note that there are no road closures on the course. At approximately 2.5 miles into your run, you’ll reach a road crossing at a roundabout by the entrance to Newhailes Estate. Our marshals will be on hand here to help you cross safely, and we kindly ask that you follow their guidance and take extra care at this point. Their role is to look out for you and other road users, however this may mean a short wait to get across.
If you decide to cross without marshal assistance, you do so at your own risk. Thank you for helping us keep the event safe and enjoyable for everyone.
And (it's never one thing)..
The car park will fill up, so please do car share or get the train or bus, which have stops right beside the campus, wherever possible.
Registration
The REGISTRATION AREA will be open from 9- 10.30am at the Queen Margaret University Campus 'Black Box' , by the Union Building ///rapid.short.senior
You will be given a timing chip for your shoe (to be returned at the end) and a race number for your outer layer of clothing. Safety pins will be provided.
For safety reasons please do NOT swap timing chips or numbers with other participants, if you are involved in a medical situation we can use your chip information to get you the help you need.
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Car Parking / Bike storage / Public Transport
There is free parking for our runners in the QMU main car park, please car share where possible as this will fill up.
The Students' Union is located on QMU Campus, opposite the main University building. The campus is 2 minutes walking distance from Musselburgh train station. Lothian Buses n. 30 and 45 also stop at campus, just outside the campus.
Please leave enough time to find a parking space, to register and get to the start line for 11am.
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The Route
The new route can be viewed on Strava here - it begins with a 1 mile anti-clockwise lap of the campus. To help us avoid congestion on the route, please allow quicker runners to start at the front - there will be areas at the start line with suggested paces to help you find a good area to start in. We have all speeds of runner coming along and you will all be welcomed and celebrated so please don't worry about starting at the back. We also have a tail cyclist so no one will be left out on the course alone.
The run is chip timed, your time will start when you cross the start line.
The START and FINISH line is on the main wide entrance to the campus, just beside the Union where you register.
It is a beautiful course, all on cycle paths or pavement - there are NO CLOSED ROADS so please, for your own and other's safety, do not run on the road and only cross roads where you are marshaled and directed across.
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Baggage / Changing
There will be an area in the Black Box for unsecured baggage storage and outer layers of clothing to be left during the event. The event organisers take no responsibility for any items stored before, during or after the race.
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Race Briefing and Start Times
There will be a safety briefing given to all runners at the START LINE 5 minutes before the event to go over any safety issues and give the opportunity for runners to ask any questions. The START and FINISH line is on the main wide entrance to the campus, just beside the Union where you register.
All runners start at 11am
Please note that no path closures are in place for the event and to give other park users space and respect. There may be dogs which are not on leads, the event organisers take no responsibility for the dogs' behaviour before, during or after the race.
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Water Stations
There will be two water stations, both in Jewel Park at approx 5.5 miles and 9.5 miles of the route. The cups are re-usable so you cannot run away with them, there will be trugs for you to throw them into about 50m after the water station. If you need to carry water then please bring your own bottle / hydration vest.
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Race Results
Race results will be emailed out to all finishers on race day. Please note that this is not a ScottIsh Athletics Licenced event, it is covered by the Association of Running Clubs.
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Medals & Goodie bags
Medals and goodie bags will be given to all finishers at the FINISH AREA, which is on the main wide entrance to the campus, just beside the Union where you register.
We may start the prize giving before the last runners are over the finish line to avoid prize winners getting cold
Prizes will be given to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd male and female runners and 1st male and female in each age category:U20 (17-19), Senior (20-39), V40, V50, V60 and V70
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Post race social and refreshments
All runners can use the Maggies Cafe in the Student Union, beside the finish area. We ask you not to consume any food or drink items provided in your goodie bag within the cafe.
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Toilets
There are toilets within the Student Union for you to use.
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Age restrictions
In accordance with Scottish Athletic guidelines half marathon participants should be age 17 or above on the day of the race.
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Buggies and wheeled running frames
Due to the length of the route and some narrow pavement sections, wheeled options are not recommended for this event however please do get in touch should you wish to have this option considered.
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Running with your dog.
Unfortunately our insurance will not cover this option, which includes companion/therapy dogs.
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First Aid
Some of our marshals are first aid trained however there will also be professional first aiders from Fife Medical Group at the start/finish area with a response vehicle to reach other areas of the route. AED defibrillators are located at the start/finish area. Should you or a fellow runner need medical help, please call 999 in an emergency situation or go to your closest marshal who will get a first aider to your location.
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Fundraising Update
Every stride you take supports three incredible Scottish children’s charities: Richmond’s Hope, Kidney Kids Scotland and Firefly International. Whether you’re helping children cope with bereavement, illness, or the impact of conflict, your run makes a real difference. Thank you so much for your 2026 donations, which total over £1,000 at this point and will be divided between the charities.
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Refunds & Transfer Info
If you have purchased the refund protection then you can still claim up to 25% back (event ticket only, not merchandise or charity donation).
If you haven't purchased the refund protection and can no longer take part in the event we regret that no entry fees can be refunded, but please read on.
Transfers - we offer FREE TRANSFERS to another Blast Running event, to another runner, or to race credits which can be redeemed for up to 1 year. You must give us at least 7 day's notice before the event (by 11pm on Sunday 1st Feb) and please email hello@blastrunning.co.uk with details about which event you are transferring from and your choice of transfer option.
IF YOU ARE TRANSFERRING TO ANOTHER RUNNER - please tell us by Monday 2nd Feb as we need this info locked into the timing system, please do not give your place to someone else without letting us know in advance.
Event cancellation - In the unlikely event of the event being cancelled owing to forces outside the organiser’s control, we will add a race credit to your Blast Running account to the value of a 5K which can be redeemed for up to 1 year.
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Please note:
Your completed entry form will be taken as your acceptance that Blast Running Ltd is not liable for personal injury or death when taking part in this event.
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Runner agrees to:
Follow the designated route, look at marshals in case they are giving instructions, not deliberately drop litter and to not be verbally or physically aggressive towards the Blast Running event team, other runners nor members of the public.
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And lastly..
Have a great run everyone, we can't wait to share this new route with you all and hope you enjoy it as much as we've enjoyed our recce runs!
See you on the 8th Feb,
Cat