News

21 great pictures as hundreds of runners compete in Chariots of Fire beach race in St Andrews

The West Sands was a sea of white as competitors recreated the movie's opening scene.

Runners in white race along the West Sands in St Andrews. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

By Claire Warrender

June 1 2025, 6:50pm

June 1 2025, 6:50pm

Hundreds of runners recreated the iconic Chariots of Fire opening scene as they took to St Andrews West Sands on Sunday.

Adults, children and a fair few four-legged friends braved rain showers to take part in the popular annual spectacular.

Most of the runners dress in white, just like the characters in the 1981 film.

And the movie’s unmistakeable theme by Vangelis rang out as crowds of onlookers lined the beach.

The annual St Andrews beach race is organised by Ben McLeod, a former restaurant manager in the town who now lives in Berkshire.

In a break with tradition, adult runners are rewarded with a fudge doughnut and a beer.

Meanwhile, all the children receive a well-deserved ice cream.

Our photographer Kenny Smith was there to capture some of the fun.

And they're off. The race begins. — Under starter’s orders. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

A female racer with a black dog on a lead. — Who’s leading who? Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

Lots of children joined the race — Scores of children ran along West Sands for the Chariots of Fire beach race. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

A dog leads the way as Chariots of Fire beach race competitors run to catch up — A dog leads the way. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

Braving the rain showers, Chariots of Fire beach race runners in St Andrews — Rain showers failed to dampen the spirits of Chariots of Fire beach race competitors in St Andrews. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

A black dog on a lead joins in the fun at the Chariots of Fire beach race in St Andrews — Another pet pooch joins its owner on the beach during the run. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

Recreating the Chariots of Fire beach scene — Many runners raised money for charities. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

A female competitor waves to the crowd as she runs along the beach — A wave for the crowd. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

Competitors with arms aloft, sprint towards the finish line — Determined looks on the faces of competitors sprinting towards the finish line. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

A group of women in white t-shirts enjoy their run on the sand — Hundreds of runners took part in this year’s Chariots of Fire beach race in St Andrews. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

Another dog runs along the beach — This dog gave our photographer paws for thought. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

A runner waves to a spectator as the race continues — Spotting someone in the crowd. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

A tray of doughnuts, with runners offered one at the end of the race — Mmmm… fudge doughnuts! Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

Rachael and James Luff from Dunfermline with their medals and a fudge doughnut each — Rachael and James Luff from Dunfermline with their medals and fudge doughnuts. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

A competitor, with thumbs up and mouth open, enjoys the race. — Having fun on the beach. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

A small group of children lead the pack at the Chariots of Fire Beach Race — Junior runners lead the pack. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

The Chariots of Fire children's race on the beach in St Andrews — The children’s race was popular. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

Whole families took part. Picture shows a family on the beach — Entire families took part together. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

Young runners on the beach during the Chariots of Fire race — Young runners powering through. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

Two young runners compete in the race. — It’s neck and neck between these two youngsters. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

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