South By Five – Kings Park 2026/27 report

In stark contrast to one week previous, when the Dunky was postponed, South By Five 2026/27 was welcomed to Kings Park under glorious blue skies! Conditions were easily described as ideal!

Carluke JogScotland brought a large contingent. Returning regulars and South By Five “virgins”. Their very own Derek The First kept up his record securing the no.1 race number bib.

Jim The Dog spilled the beans this week on on our socials on just how Derek manages ro be first to registration….

The old oak

Record numbers of sign ups with South By Five once again a sell out. Nearly 150 runners on the day enables South By Five to retain that Acorn Trails friendly community vibe, and minimise our impact to the park, the trails and other park users.

Michelle led the runners from the Walled Garden registration up the hill to the race start line by the old oak tree. A fitting start line for us.

Everyone ready….

3….
2….
“WAIT!” – technology gremlin from the race timer…
1 and three quarters….
1 and a half….
1 and a quarter….
1….
GO!!!!

And they were off. Returning teenager Ethan Tyler continuing from his podiums in last year’s debut appearance shot off down the hill and quickly established a lead that was never to be relinquished.

With Halloween less than 12 hours earlier, fancy dress was encouraged! Race Director Michelle dressed as a cow…somehow it took a long time for people to notice!! 🤣🤷

Some fantastic outfits on display throughout the field. We’re unsure if Michael Devlin was dressed up especially, or just in his usual South By Five attire…. we’ll work it out at Linn Park!

Spot prize for “Best Dressed” was available, and taken by a total witch..we would suggest a clean sweep but she forgot her broom! £15 Migo Sports voucher was the reward for overcoming a lurgy and being a good sport!

In true Acorn Trails fashion, last year’s series winner, Callum Wallace, wanted to give something back and so volunteered to be the tail runner for 26/27! His costume might have a made some folk move a wee bit quicker than they may have planned!

Podiums and results

Our amazing podium stars from South By Five – Kings Park

🥇Ethan Tyler & Kristina Glynn (Bellahouston Harriers )

🥈Eddie Nelson (Bellahouston Harriers ) & Sheila Murray

🥉Suleiman Niven & Magda Thomas (Bellahouston Harriers )

Congratulations to them all, and well done to everyone who joined us for a wonderful morning in Kings Park.

Full results available here

Foodbank

What an amazing amount of donations we received. Dolly the Trolly was straining under the load!

Your generosity is amazing. Thank you so much!!

One of our hi-viz heroes, Louise, also volunteers at the foodbank within St. Columbkille’s Church in Rutherglen who will be the beneficiaries of your bags of shopping!

South By Five – Linn Park will see donations given to the East Renfrewshire Food Larder based at Muirend just adjacent to the park.

Once again thank you kindly for your generosity.

Photos and the Pinboard

Multiple photographers were on the course.

Our “official” photographer Kev has posted his photos direct to the Acorn Trails Facebook feed.

Other volunteers have posted theirs to the Acorn Trails Pinboard, a Facebook group which can be found here.

Thanks to Kev Queenan, George Wilson, Ian Cochrane, Blythe Lyndsey and Robert Hill. Sam Hampton Smith and Paul Fletcher also on hand with some videography and drone footage.

Hi-viz heroes

Our events couldn’t go ahead without the amazing goodwill of people that give up their morning to volunteer. Their instructions, encouragement and enthusiasm are a huge part of what makes South By Five such an amazing experience.

Thanks to:

Lynn Connor, Anna Deboub, Dorothy Buchanan, Cedric Moreau, Sam Hampton Smith, Robert Hill, Paul Fletcher, Garry Smith, Cameron Winton, Maria Fiannacca, Karis McDermott & Skye, David Patrick, Ray Loughran, Ruth Harrison, H, h, Claire Taylor, Zuzana Rencova, Anne Brodick (FoKP), Trish Pelosi (FoKP), Louise Anderson, Nick Dowley, Phil Knight, Laura Lennon, Callum Wallace.

Great Sx5 Bake Off

Last but definitely not least…cake!!

Following last year’s amazing cakes, we’ve introduced Sx5 Bake Off!!

We’re off to a fantastic start at Kings Park with this stunner..

And some wonderful home made cup cakes too! Looking forward to Linn Park….

Next up

South By Five – Linn Park on Sunday 15th November…

We can’t wait!