The West Lothian Shale Trail is a 25k way marked route from West Calder to Winchburgh.
This route has been developed by the Shale Trail project: www.shaletrail.co.uk

Lothian Running Club in collaboration the Shale Trail Project are organising an inaugural Fun Run along the route to help launch the Shale Trail.

The run is open to individuals or teams of 3 splitting the run at checkpoints at Livingston Civic Centre and Uphall Station Car park. Individuals can Run the 25km to Winchburgh or just 8km to Livingston.

To comply with Government and Scottish Athletics guidelines the event is pre entry only. Before the Start and after the Finish current Physical Distancing guidelines apply. Keep 2m away from others. During the run Scottish Athletics guidelines apply to participants however as the run route is along public footpaths also open to the public it is vital that runners respect the personal space of members of the public. The event will follow these guidelines and any subsequent updates: SAL XC Covid Guidelines

Trail Etiquette: Look out for other walkers, runners and cyclists. Allow plenty of room to pass. Do not run closely behind another runner. When passing runners or non-runners try to allow a 2m gap. If this is not possible on narrower paths turn your face away. There can be a 5m droplet zone behind a runner so if you approach another runner move out to pass in good time or on a narrow path call out so a slower runner can step aside. ( Like Triathlon – no drafting!) After your run maintain social distancing as sweaty bodies can shed droplets! Also no High Fives and no Cuddling. After you finish you should return to your transport rather than hang about and create a crowd. Results will be posted on line.

Compulsory Equipment: On December 20th it may be cold and wet. It is also the second shortest day by 3 seconds. To help maintain safety runners must carry waterproof jacket, space blanket or similar, mobile phone, food and drink. The route is mainly firm underfoot but wet in places on the old rail line between Almondvale and Uphall. Trail shoes are recommended.

Covid-19 Travel Restrictions: The event is in West Lothian which is currently designated as Level 3 so travel to the event may be restricted from outwith the Level 3 zone.
Briefly: Athletes in a Level 2 area should not travel to a Level 3 area. Athletes in a Level 3 area may travel within and around 5 miles from your local authority boundary for athletics.
The Scottish Athletics Framework Document can be found here: Scottish Athletics Covid-19 Framework

You must stay at home if you:
– Have been in contact with someone with COVID-19 within 14 days of the event.
– Have been overseas to a country on the quarantine list or exposed to someone with COVID-19 within 14 days of the event.
– Have COVID-19 symptoms (self-isolate for 10 days) or are feeling unwell.
– Have been told to self-isolate as part of the contact tracing measures in place.

Travel: This run is point to point. In the current circumstances unfortunately we are not able to provide transport. Please see the Government Travel Advice on Car Sharing. For Public Transport options please see Traveline Scotland.

Route: The route is to be waymarked by the Shale Trail Project and supplemented by standard arrows and marshals at key points en-route. A Google map is below and there is a route that highlights interesting historic information on www.shaletrail.co.uk and for runners a downloadable GPX route is available here: Shale Trail GPX