The Chariots of Fire Beach Race: A Timeless Tribute in St Andrews, Scotland
A Scene from History
The Chariots of Fire Beach Race is a unique and evocative event held annually in St Andrews, Scotland.
Inspired by the iconic scene from the film “Chariots of Fire,” where Olympians Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams ran along the beach to the stirring music of Vangelis, this race brings history to life.
Runners don traditional white attire, paying homage to the original Olympians. We take to the sands in a race that combines historical reverence with modern-day excitement.
A Glorious Day on the Sands of St Andrews
Blessed with glorious sunshine, our race attracts around 500 participants for this centenary year of the 1924 Paris Olympics.
it is a festive atmosphere, both competitive and family-friendly. The event features a fantastic kids’ race, ensuring that runners of all ages can participate and experience the thrill of the beach run.
It is the best kids race we have ever watched and we have ran a lot of races!
wee wild adventures
The sight of hundreds of runners, all dressed in white, dashing along the shoreline is truly spectacular and reminiscent of the movie’s legendary opening sequence.
The Race Route
The race follows an out-and-back route along the beach, offering runners a stunning backdrop of the glittering North Sea. We can’t believe the glorious weather!
At the halfway point, we are greeted by the stirring sounds the Bagpipes and a lone piper. The piper’s music and the strains of the Chariots of Fire theme tune makes for an unforgettable racing experience.
Post-Race Celebrations
After crossing the finish line in the warm sunshine, we are rewarded with a variety of goodies.
We all receive a huge medal with an embossed Eric Liddell, a bespoke tin of IPA, a Chariots of Fire branded bag, a custard-filled donut, and a book about Eric Liddell. These cherished mementos of our race celebrating our achievement!
A Family Affair
The fantastic weather encourages families to linger on the beach and the links. It is a vibrant, communal atmosphere.
We are all (90% of us, do the rest regret wearing regular running colours?) dressed in our whites and proudly displaying their medals. Runners, walkers, joggers, young and old enjoy picnics and each other’s company.
The post-race gathering is an unexpected highlight of the day. Luckily enough we have a quiche, coleslaw, and salad in the car along with fizzy water and enjoy an impromptu picnic along with the rest of the runners.
Conclusion
The Chariots of Fire Beach Race is more than just a race; it is a celebration of history, community, and the enduring spirit of the olympics.
Whether you are a serious runner or simply a fan of the film, participating in this event offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the magic of that iconic beach run in St Andrews. The combination of stunning scenery, historical significance, and a welcoming atmosphere makes this race a must-attend event for all.
Would we recommend the Chariots of Fire Beach Race?
Yes.
We were blessed with the most amazing weather. It is a sold out event and people are buzzing to be running this iconic route on the centenary of the 1924 Olympics!
Chariots of Fire, Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams what is there link with St Andrews?
We watch the movie, Chariots of Fire, the Friday before we run the race. We have seen the movie before but not for a decade or two! It is a fantastic movie but at the end of the movie we are still unaware of the link between the Olympians and St Andrews!
Some google research later we know the following facts about the Chariots of Fire Run
- Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams didn’t run together on St Andrews Beach (although it is believe Eric Liddell did some training at St Andrews)
- They actually stayed at the Carlton Hotel in Broadstairs (550 miles further south in England)
- St Andrews was chosen for the re-enactment of the athletes training for the movie
- Local councillors in St Andrews complained about the inconvenice of the filming in 1980 “Councillor Anthony Jackson told a meeting of Fife Regional Council that residents did not appreciate road closures for the “frivolous reason” of a company filming.”
- Runners and film extras for the sequences filmed in St Andrews came from the local pubs and athletics clubs
- The iconic beach scene has a re-shoot. David Putnam realised that sand had got into the lense and the crew returned to St Andrews to recreate the scene. They were actually delighted with the results as the sea was more powerful on the day of the reshoot and made for a more spectacular sequence.
- St Andrews is now synonimous with the Olympics. For the 2012 Olympics in London Marc Beaumont (record breaking Scottish cyclist and adventurer) ran through the streets of St Andrews with the Olympic Torch, then local school children recreated the Chariots of Fire Scene!
Facts about the Chariots of Fire Beach Race
All you need to know about the Chariots of Fire Beach Race
Distance?
5km, run, jog or walk
1 mile for under 11 years
Where?
West Beach, St Andrews
When?
Our race was Sunday 2nd of June 2024 the centenary year!
Cost?
£19 (all proceeds after costs go to local charities and the RNLI)
Course?
Out and back along the golden sands of St Andrews
Goodies?
2024, we receive a Fudge (custard filled) donut, goodie back branded Chariots of Fire, Eric Liddell book and the delicious IPA vang-ALE-is!
T-shirts could be ordered when signing up to the race, and some were available to purchase on the day
Parking?
There is parking on the day but you should arrive early to avoid a long walk to the start and registration ( you will be able guided by Rotary volunteers).
Racing Attire?
Wear white, it isn’t compulsory but you will feel like a gooseberry if you don’t come in the team colours (just like the olympians!)