MacTuff New Year 2025 Cancellation and Whats Next

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Today was devastating for us as a small event provider to have to cancel an event an hour before the scheduled start. I was still running around getting a multitude of last minute jobs done on site when the mornings conditions started to become apparent around 9am.
Despite what many of you may think, it was not because it was ‘cold’, Mactuff has successfully held the event in conditions down to -5 and beyond. Most of the event setup over the last month has been in minus temperatures and there has been no similar ice issue on any single day. Last Januarys corresponding starting temperature was actually the same as this years; +2 degrees. The ground conditions were generally ok yesterday, with just the odd icy patch here and there. Despite it being +1 to +2 overnight (I had been on site since 3.30am) a very light dash of sleet just before sunrise effectively turned many areas into what can only be called an ice skating rink.
One of the Knockhill ambulance crew had a fall which resulted a potentially serious head injury and concussion around 9.30am (he was just walking) whilst the safety of the impending event was already being discussed (fortunately the person concerned is ok after going to A&E). Both myself and Knockhill management looked at a number of areas on course and at just after 10am it was decided that conditions were unlikely to improve over the day, and the decision was made to cancel the event, for the health, safety and wellbeing of all.
 

Mactuff New Year is a challenge, but it is a challenge that YOU control. You decide what you are capable of, and what you are not. In the conditions prevalent this morning, that control could no longer exist, and just a simple step could result in serious injury.
 

Of course people are disappointed. I take no joy in knowing that people have travelled hundreds of miles (and a thousand for a few) to take part in our annual winter event. Myself and all marshalls made sure we were all on hand in the pits area to share apologies, chat with those that wished to chat, and provide all with tshirts and medals so at least participants had something to go away with.
 

I’d like to thank all of the MacTuff marshalls and Knockhill staff. Their efforts in supporting Mactuff events to happen at Knockhill are rarely publically recognised, but without their support there would be no events. I’d also like to thank the many participants that talked to myself and other marshalls that provided words of encouragement and support, it really is appreciated.
 

Going forward, I want to provide ticket holders with as many deferral options as possible. Whilst 3 event dates are still yet to be confirmed (but will hopefully be confirmed shortly) I will list all the events in which tickets can be deferred to:
 

April

Saturday 5th SOUTH EAST ENGLAND – Really Muddy Pippingford (1 adult 5k/10k ticket, or 2 adult/child tickets)

Sunday 13th WEST YORKSHIRE ENGLAND – Really Muddy Bradford (1 adult 5k/10k ticket, or 2 adult/child tickets)

Sunday 27th CARNOUSTIE SCOTLAND – Barry Buddon Half Marathon

May

Saturday 3rd – KNOCKHILL, FIFE – Mactuff Spring 5k/10k

Sat 3rd, Sun 4th, Sun 11th – KNOCKHILL FIFE – MacTuff Kids (2 adult/child tickets) (1 adult 5k/10k ticket, or 2 adult/child tickets)

Sun 18th – ABERDEEN SCOTLAND – Really Muddy Castle Fraser (1 adult 5k/10k ticket, or 2 adult/child tickets)

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September

Date TBC – KNOCKHILL, FIFE – Really Muddy (1 adult 5k/10k ticket, or 2 adult/child tickets)

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October

Date TBC - CARNOUSTIE SCOTLAND – Barry Buddon 10s – 10k/10 miles

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November

Date TBC – Likely Sunday 2nd November – SHERWOOD, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE, ENGLAND – Sherwood Trail Half Marathon.

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January 2026

Date TBC – Likely Sunday 11th January – MacTuff New Year 8k / 15k / 21k

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An email will go out on Monday to formally let people know their ticket deferral options. If you can respond to that email with your preferred deferral option that would be appreciated.

Best Regards

Dean O’Grady

MacTuff Events