“The Winton Trail Run was such a great occasion and managed to retain the spirit of a ‘family fun run’ which inspired its conception,” says Francis Ogilvy, owner of Winton Castle, the exclusive use events venue near Edinburgh. “The weather of course helped but this was community spirit in spades – both in the organising and the participation.

“About 700 runners took part which is a record – about a 100 more than last year!

“We are hugely grateful to all who have been working on the Winton Trail Run for months with the planning as well as the great support we received from the local community, and sponsors East Lothian Council and Adam Purves Mitsubishi. Running clubs from the English Borders to the Highlands took part. Records were broken on all counts: entries, times and hopefully what the amount that was raised for the worthy charities involved. Well done and thank you!”

Winton Trail Run edible medals

The medals given to all of those completing the runs were handmade biscuits. About 1000 medal biscuits were baked by volunteers from Marie Curie, Pencaitland Primary School PTA, Pencaitland Playgroup and Winton. Kids taking part could decorate their medals after their runs.

Haddington Running Club with Winton Castle Medals

The feedback from Trail Run participants and Winton Open Day visitors was universally complimentary: ‘great courses’; ‘so well organised’; ‘a great family day out’; and ‘appreciated all the work the team had put in’.Many of the runners have said that they will run again next year.

Young American girl enjoying a Luca's ice cream at Winton Open Day

The Winton Trail Run raised £1500 for Marie Curie, as well as funds for the Pencaitland Primary School PTA and Pencaitland Playgroup. And, on the Winton Open Day more funds were raised for Marie Curie, as well as Scotland’s Garden Scheme charities (amount tbc).

We are very grateful for the sponsors for both events over the weekend, Adam Purves Mitsubishi and East Lothian Council, and to Treeditions who provided the bushcraft, as well as the 50 helpers who gave up their time for the Winton Trail Run.