The club, based in Dunfermline, supports track and field athletes of all ages, as well as its PAACE section for adult runners and its’ Jog Scotland group PAACE Yourself.

Race day saw an early morning deluge, but this soon passed, and the sun shone on race goers allowing fantastic views from the bridge. Once the race briefing was complete, the race started from outside the North Queensferry Community Centre, with runners getting some shelter from the wind during the long downhill stretch to the Ferrytoll Park and Ride. A solid climb over the famous 1960s Forth Road Bridge, provided enough challenge for everyone, made even tougher by the gusty wind.

Resplendent in kilt and Pitreavie top, Ben Fraser once again piped the runners heading North.

Once at the South Queensferry side, they were welcomed by club member Jonny Cotton’s daughter Isla also playing the pipes. Heading back across the Bridge, they finished at the northern end, where they received their hard earned finisher’s medals.

A climb up the many steps back to the Community Centre didn’t deter runners from tucking into the now-famous post-race buffet, with treats and healthy options to suit everyone. A great opportunity for many to catch up with old friends over a well-deserved snack and a cuppa.

The race was won by Linlithgow AC’s Sam O’Neill (Snr) in 33:41, after a hotly contested run with M40 Iain Whitaker of Edinburgh AC, who placed 2nd in 34:47. In 3rd place was Blair Geddes (Snr) of Carnegie Harriers with a time of 35:21. The first female, with a great run, was Fife AC’s Janet Dickson (F50) in 39:48, with Katie Wilson (Snr) of Killie Striders 2nd F in 44:06 and PH Racing Club’s Sarah Paterson placing 3rd F in 44:20. Once prizes were announced, and the buffet eaten, it was time for the Pitreavie team to pack up, clear the course and head home to the clubhouse to pack away ready for next year.

PAACE were delighted that among its 14 members taking part, was an enthusiastic group who started their C25k journey with the club. Encouraged by their fantastic Jog Leaders and club members, they successfully made the big leap to 10k at the Forth Road Bridge 10k.

Preparation for a race like this is huge, with well over 100 PAACE members involved. From catering for the buffet for 450 plus people, as well as organising marshals, toilet queue busters, car parking, photography, finishing lines, traffic management, and water stations. Not forgetting pre-race activities, including race entry management, ordering medals, and liaising with two local authorities, the Forth Ports Authority, Bear Scotland and Scottish Athletics.

It was all worth it for the incredibly positive racegoer feedback, with many attendees commenting on the great organisation, warm welcome, as well as of course, the legendary buffet. After a number of years successfully managing this event, current race director Campbell Blair, will hand over the FRB10k race director baton to Stephen McKee in 2025.

Pitreavie extended thanks to its very supportive sponsors, Campion Homes, Kingdom Housing Association, and Benji Physio, with Run 4 It supplying vouchers, Tesco Duloch, Tesco Fire Station and Tesco Dalgety Bay providing supplies for the buffet.