GALLERY: Black Rock ‘5’ race returns to Fife coast
The Black Rock '5' Race kicked off on Friday, 9 May in Kinghorn, attracting runners to the scenic coastal route.
The annual Black Rock 5 race in Kinghorn took place on Friday May 9. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson
By Heather Fowlie, Katherine Ferries and Kenny Smith
The annual Black Rock ‘5’ Race took place on Friday, 9 May, attracting runners from across Scotland to the scenic coastal town of Kinghorn, Fife.
The 5-mile coastal race started at the bottom of Harbour Road under the railway viaduct, climbing uphill before turning left onto Pettycur Road and following the route down to the beach. After descending a small ramp and reaching the sand, runners headed out across the Firth of Forth to circle Black Rock.
Once around the rock, competitors retraced their steps back across the beach, up the hill, and finished where they began.
The Black Rock ‘5’, was first held in 1987, which was won by Gifford Kerr. Since then, 34 races have been held, with participant numbers growing significantly over the years.
Take a look at Courier Photographer Kenny Smith’s highlights below:
Runners at the Black Rock Race.
A great turnout for this year’s Black Rock Race.
The annual Black Rock 5 race in Kinghorn
The Black Rock ‘5’ offers a unique challenge, with a course that includes both road and beach running.
The annual Black Rock 5 race in Kinghorn
Runners run the sandy stretch to Black Rock, with the Forth Bridges providing a stunning backdrop.
The annual Black Rock 5 race in Kinghorn
Participants race against the tide, aiming to reach Black Rock before the water rises.
The annual Black Rock 5 race in Kinghorn
With the sun setting over the Firth of Forth, the Black Rock ‘5’ concludes with a scenic finish.
Participants ran approximately 1.5 km across the sands to the Black Rock, before retracing their steps back to the finish line at South Overgate.
Participants ran 1.5 km to the Black Rock, then headed back to South Overgate for the finish.
The annual Black Rock 5 race in Kinghorn
A great turnout of runners on Friday for the Black Rock Race.
All smiles at the Black Rock Race.
The annual Black Rock 5 race in Kinghorn took place on Friday, May 9.
Runners taking part in the Black Rock Race.
Runners made their way along the beach.
Participants ran the scenic 1.5 km route to Black Rock and back.
A great turnout of runners on Friday for the Black Rock Race.
Runners taking part in the Black Rock Race
The annual Black Rock 5 race in Kinghorn
Runners taking part in the Black Rock Race
Participants ran approximately 1.5 km across the sands to the Black Rock, before retracing their steps back to the finish line at South Overgate.
Runners taking part in the Black Rock Race
A great turnout of runners on Friday for the Black Rock Race.
The annual Black Rock 5 race in Kinghorn
Runners taking part in the Black Rock Race
A great turnout of runners on Friday for the Black Rock Race.
Runners taking part in the Black Rock Race
The annual Black Rock 5 race in Kinghorn
Participants ran approximately 1.5 km across the sands to the Black Rock, before heading back to the finish line at South Overgate.
The annual Black Rock 5 race in Kinghorn
A great turnout of runners on Friday for the Black Rock Race.
Runners made their way 1.5 km out to the Black Rock, then turned back toward the finish at South Overgate.
The annual Black Rock 5 race in Kinghorn.
Runners made their way 1.5 km out to the Black Rock, then turned back toward the finish at South Overgate.
Runners taking part in the Black Rock Race on Friday evening.
Participants ran approximately 1.5 km across the sands to the Black Rock, before retracing their steps back to the finish line at South Overgate,
The annual Black Rock 5 race in Kinghorn
Runners make their way across the sands during the Black Rock Race in Kinghorn on Friday, May 9 2025.
The Black Rock Race saw runners head to the rock and back, finishing strong at South Overgate.
The annual Black Rock 5 race in Kinghorn
Runners at the Black Rock Race on Friday.
Runners taking part in the Black Rock Race on Friday evening.
A great turnout of runners on Friday for the Black Rock Race.
Runners made their way 1.5 km out to the Black Rock, then turned back toward the finish at South Overgate.
The annual Black Rock 5 race in Kinghorn
Runners taking part in the Black Rock Race.
Runners nearing the finish line
Local residents cheer on the runners as they approach the finish line.
Left to right are organisers Mairi, Margaret, John, Fiona and Catriona McKay.
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GALLERY: Black Rock ‘5’ race returns to Fife coast
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