ACORN South By Five 26/27 - Full series

South By Five: A 12-Week Park Run Series for All Levels
Acorn Trails is excited to announce the return of South By Five, their signature series set to take place over twelve weeks starting from November 2026. Inspired by Glasgow's iconic The South Side Six race, this event will see runners tackling a unique course in each of six beautiful parks across the city.
Each week, participants can choose to run solo or join fellow enthusiasts for one of the six 5km races held on Sundays at 10:30 AM. From Kings Park and Linn Park in November to Rouken Glen in late November and Pollok Park in early December, runners will experience diverse landscapes during their winter outings.
Bellahouston Park welcomes participants back from a brief holiday break in January with its race on the third Sunday of that month. The series culminates at Queens Park on January 17th, followed by an end-of-series gathering and prize giving ceremony nearby at a local bowling club.
To compete for the coveted "Fiver" title, runners must complete five out of six races in the series. However, those who commit to running all six events should be prepared: missing two consecutive early season runs will result in forfeiture of their entry without refund or rescheduling option, ensuring spots are reserved only for committed participants.
Entry into South By Five is free but comes with a mandatory donation to the Acorn Trails Community Fund. This fund supports local initiatives such as coach training, first aid education, trail maintenance, and donations to nearby community causes that keep these parks vibrant spaces year-round.
Runners who find themselves unable to make their entry fee due to financial constraints can contact organizers directly for assistance without fear of judgment or repercussions. Additionally, those wishing to contribute beyond the minimum donation are encouraged to bring non-perishable goods for local food banks instead of paying an additional fee.
For participants looking to enhance their experience, Acorn Trails offers merchandise options during sign-up alongside opportunities to engage with charity partners and participate in park clean-ups throughout the series. The chosen beneficiary this year is Give A Dog A Bone, a Shawlands-based organization that helps over-60s adopt rescue pets by covering adoption fees and fostering connections between people and animals.
South By Five promises not only physical challenges but also community engagement through its structured yet flexible format. Whether you're a seasoned runner or new to the sport, this series offers something special for everyone interested in exploring Glasgow's green spaces while giving back to local communities.