Chariots of Fire 5KM Beach Race, Sunday 5th June, 2016

In this article from St Andrews Coach Houses we’re focusing on the very worthwhile “up and coming” event at West Sands on Sunday 5th June. There’s an opportunity for everybody to relive the famous running sequence from the famous 1981 Chariots of Fire movie.

Event Details:

Here are the details for the event:

• Event title – Chariots of Fire 5KM Beach Race
• Date – Sunday 5th June, 2016
• Website details – https://www.entrycentral.com/chariots
• All proceeds to Worldwide Cancer Research, in 2015 a total of £6,400 was raised
• Entrance fee:
  • The standard entrance fee is £17
  • Scottish Athletics registered members only need to pay £15

St Andrews Chariots of Fire 5KM Beach Race – back for its sixth year
Due to popular demand Sunday 5th June, 2016 sees the sixth annual staging of the St Andrews Chariots of Fire 5KM beach race.

Chariots of Fire – making West Sands iconic worldwide

The race is run on West Sands on the very beach used to film the movie along to the memorable soundtrack from Vangelis, which can be heard along the entire route from start to finish.

Celebrating the 1981 Chariots of Fire movie (to which this event pays homage) and St Andrews famous cinematic past!

The scene was also memorably re-enacted in 2012 by Rowan Atkinson in the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony.

Lots of fun on the beach!

As each year goes by more and more people are running the event, with both locals, UK-wide and international runners.

The race is suitable for everyone (beginners and experienced runners alike) and is very flat and is entirely run on “sand and surf”. The race consists of a simple “out and back” format which is 5KM (about 3.1 miles). Runners are welcome to run barefoot in the waves if they’d like.

There is also a 1 mile under 11s children fun run too. The children’s race is scheduled to start at 11:30AM and the 5KM race at 12 noon, but this is subject to local tide conditions. There is also a prize giving ceremony at around 1PM with various categories.

Treats and prizes

Over the last three years every runner has received a free beer and doughnut, which kind of defies the health reasons for the run, but everybody seems to enjoy these. There is also a medal for every runner too. All under 11 racers receive a Jannettas Gelaterie ice cream at the finish.

Other information

The race is entirely run on West Sands beach and starts and due to its “out and back” nature starts and finishes at the Sea Shell beach café. There is plenty of free parking directly behind the sand dunes.

Related article

If you’ve enjoyed reading this article also ensure you read our January article “Blown Away experiences at West Sands, St Andrews”, which provides lots of information about West Sands as a venue.

Booking accommodation with St Andrews Coach Houses

If you’re looking for quality accommodation for your trip to St Andrews for the Chariots of Fire charity 5KM run or for any other purpose look no further than St Andrews Coach Houses. We provide luxury self-catering accommodation in St Andrews and are perfectly placed for all the local facilities. Why not call us today on 01334 477593?

Image Credits: Beatriz Alvarez Saez and Lynne Toole