Introduced by Acorn Trails in 2019, the South By Five races were well received by locals runners. Based on the iconic Glasgow race, The Southside Six, South By Five visits each of the six parks over a 10 week period. A 5km event is held in each park, with runners able to enter single events or the whole series (the whole series requires early booking so give Acorn Trails a follow across Facebook, Twitter, Strava, Instagram or join their Run Club to keep up to date. Whole series package is closed for 2021).

The six parks are:

• Kings Park – Sunday 7th November
• Linn Park – Sunday 21st November
• Rouken Glen – Sunday 5th December
• Pollok Park – Sunday 19th December
• Bellahouston Park – Sunday 2nd January
• Queens Park – Sunday 16th January

All races start at 10.30am

Enter the Pollok Park race via Entry Central.

If past experience is anything to go by, prepare to get dirty. Last year’s race at Pollok Park in early 2020 was a lovely mudfest in places. Weather doesn’t look too chilly so hopefully the 30 minute delay to let the ground thaw won’t be needed this time.

The route is again multi terrain, but probably the trailiest of the 6 routes, taking in the rhododendron trail twice. This trail used to be the entrance driveway to Pollok House, in from the main gate at what is now the Haggs Road entrance and is where runners will find the start and finish line situated.

With a slight uphill to start, the course is undulating, reaching its peak near the Nature Pond about 2km in. After a nice 500m downhill, a sharp right sees you start your second and final loop.

It’s the last one in the Acorn Trail series before Christmas, so why not get something festive on then burn off your overindulgence when they return at Bellahouston on 2nd January.