Sunset, Smiles and Speed at Silverknowes

When Family Meets Phenomenal

The Sunset Running Festival returned to Silverknowes Promenade on 20 June 2026 - and it didn't disappoint.

More than 800 runners took part across five events, spanning seasoned ultra runners and club athletes to families, young children and wheeled competitors. Whether chasing a podium, a personal best or simply the view, the promenade was alive from start to finish.

A breeze rolled in off the Forth and temperatures stayed unseasonably warm, making conditions genuinely challenging. But as the sun dropped towards the water, nobody seemed to mind.

The Performance of the Night

If one moment captured the evening, it was Joanne Wilson's run in the 6 Hour Challenge. She didn't just win the women's race - she won the entire event, covering 70 kilometres in 5 hours, 39 minutes and 10 seconds. A quite extraordinary performance.

And then came the family twist. While Joanne was rewriting the record books, her husband Rob, pushing their daughter in a buggy, crossed the line as winner of the 7K race. It's hard to script a better story than that.

Three Records Fall

Wilson's performance was one of three course records to fall on the night, with personal bests being celebrated all around the course throughout the evening.

Running for a Cause

The festival also raised more than £800 for Athletics Trust Scotland - a testament to the generosity of runners, supporters and spectators alike.

The People Who Made It Happen

None of this happens without the team behind it. Thirty-five marshals spent long hours on course, and the feedback about their energy and dedication has been outstanding. Fife Medical Group also provided invaluable support throughout.

At the finish line, Mel from Brew 52 Coffee, Guy from the Wood Fired Pizza Company and Toy Story Ices kept everyone fuelled and smiling. ACTIPH Water and Stewart Brewing provided hydration and prizes.

What Runners Said

"A great event and really well organised. Those conditions with the wind and heat were tough!" 
Mark Lovell

"Fantastic event. If you could just remember to turn off the wind next time, that'd be great!" 
Blair Lochrie

"Amazing day. Thank you to all the marshals."
Ainsley Nolan

See You Next Year

The Sunset Running Festival has always been about more than race times - it's about community, achievement and creating something memorable beside the sea. Results are now live.

We're already looking forward to 2027. Until then, keep chasing those sunsets.

Take a Piece of the Festival Home

Want to keep the memory alive? We still have a limited number of official Sunset Running Festival buffs and men's and women's t-shirts available. Stocks are limited, so don't miss out - head to our merchandise store and grab yours today.