31/05/2026
Cheering on all the runners and volunteers this morning taking part - thank you to everyone that makes this possible and gets involved!
Enjoy the race and all the treats after! 🙂
’Twas the nicht before Chariots, and all through the toon,
Folk whispered, “Midday tomorrow comes awfy soon."
The medals were stacked by the sponsors with care,
While sea mist rolled softly through salt-heavy air.
The bairns were all tucked up, dreaming nae fear,
Of the Kids’ Mile sprint and Jannettas this year.
They’d race o’er the sand wi’ determined wee plans,
Then take their gelato in sticky wee hands.
And oot by the Dook Café, lights glowing warm,
The volunteers huddled against the sea storm.
Ranald patrol’d wi’ the Ranger brigade,
Making sure every last marker was laid.
Then up on the beach there arose such a cheer,
I sprang fae ma bed and reached for a beer.
A VangALEis beer — aye, chilled tae perfection —
The official recovery drink of the section.
The moon on the waves gave the sands such a glow,
Like midday had come twelve hours too soon below.
And what tae my wondering eyes should appear,
But Vangelis himsel’, wi’ synths and gear!
He played on the shoreline, all windswept and grand,
His theme echoing wildly across the white sand.
While runners in all-white came jogging in files,
Discussing split times and debating their miles.
“Now Rotary! Now marshals! Now sponsors, gang forward!
On St Andrews West! Keep the banners all ordered!
To the top of the dunes! To the arch by the sea!
We’ve got thousands arriving bang on midday!”
The Wild Scottish Sauna sent steam through the air,
Half runners recovering, half just standing there
Pretending the freezing North Sea was “fine” —
Then sprinting straight back tae the sauna in line.
And Fisher & Donaldson doughnuts appeared,
Wi’ fudge icing glistening — saints be revered.
The runners all stared wi’ a mixture of dread:
“One bite of yon beauty and race pace is dead.”
But still they indulged, for tradition must win,
Cream custard all over each slightly tense chin.
While someone cried, “Carbs are essential!” — nae lie —
As another grabbed six “for recovery supply.”
Then quiet fell softly o’er auld St Andrews toon,
Save the gulls and the breakers and one distant tune.
And Vangelis played on as the tide rolled away,
Welcoming dreamers tae Chariots Day.
So sleep well, ye runners, keep blisters at bay,
For the gun fires at midday — nae mucking about, eh?
And frae West Sands tae finish, through wind, surf and spray:
“Happy Chariots tae all — and good luck on race day!”
