Supernova Kelpies transforms Helix Park into a colourful celebration of running, walking and light. Participants complete a 5K course at dusk beside the enormous illuminated Kelpies, creating one of Scotland’s most distinctive race-night experiences.
The event is deliberately inclusive. Families, new runners and experienced athletes take part wearing fluorescent clothing, headtorches and flashing accessories. For spectators, the compact start-and-finish location makes the evening easier to navigate than a point-to-point race.
Here is how to find the best viewing locations, manage travel and parking, prepare for the dark and support your participant safely.
Plan for an Evening Event
Supernova Kelpies is different from an ordinary daytime 5K. Darkness, changing weather and illuminated crowds all contribute to the atmosphere, but they also require extra preparation.
Before leaving home, ask your participant for their race number, start wave and expected finishing time. Take a photograph of their outfit, particularly if they are wearing fancy dress or fluorescent accessories.
Agree on a meeting point before entering the park. Mobile location sharing can help, but thousands of illuminated runners can make someone surprisingly difficult to identify.
Spectators should wear reflective or bright clothing too. A small torch can be helpful away from the main event area, although it should not be shone into runners’ faces.
The Best Viewing Locations
The Start Area
The start provides music, lights and an excited atmosphere as each group prepares to set off. It is the best place for photographs while everyone is still together.
Arrive early enough to locate the toilets, baggage facilities and starting pens. Participants should enter the correct wave and follow instructions from the event team.
Once your runner moves into the controlled start area, choose a visible position rather than following them through the crowd. Agree that they will concentrate on starting safely instead of trying to find you.
The Kelpies
The 30-metre-high sculptures are the visual centrepiece of the event. Illuminated in changing colours at dusk, they provide a spectacular backdrop for runners and supporters.
This is likely to be one of the busiest viewing locations, so arrive early if you want a clear position. Keep paths open and do not stand in areas reserved for official photographers or event staff.
Photography can be challenging after dark. Avoid using a powerful flash directly at approaching participants, as this may affect their vision. A short video often captures the lights and atmosphere more effectively than a single photograph.
Open Sections of Helix Park
Quieter parts of the course provide more space and an opportunity to encourage runners away from the main crowds. Because a 5K passes quickly, one intermediate position may be enough before returning to the finish.
Remain on the spectator side of barriers and follow marshal instructions. Keep children beside you and ensure dogs do not extend leads across paths.
The park can be muddy or slippery depending on the weather. Wear waterproof footwear and avoid relying on shortcuts across grass in the dark.
The Final Approach
The closing section is an excellent place to provide personalised encouragement. Runners and walkers may be tiring, while the lights and noise of the finish draw closer.
Stand somewhere your participant can identify easily and tell them which side you will use. A fluorescent sign or distinctive light-up accessory can help, provided it does not distract other runners.
Do not walk or run alongside a participant. The final section can be crowded, and unexpected movement from spectators creates a hazard.
The Finish Area
Supernova’s finish is colourful, celebratory and suitable for participants of many abilities. Arrive before your runner’s expected time and remain clear of the finish funnel.
Participants need space to cross the timing mats and move into the medal and refreshment area. Do not enter the controlled zone to meet them.
Because the start and finish are both within Helix Park, families can choose a single reunion point and remain there throughout the evening.
Travelling to Helix Park
Falkirk Grahamston is the nearest railway station, approximately a mile and a half from Helix Park. The walk should be planned in advance, particularly for the return journey after dark.
Local buses serve the area around Falkirk Stadium, which is a short walk from the event. Evening timetables may differ from daytime services, so confirm the last practical journey home.
Helix Park’s own car parks, including the Kelpies car park, are normally closed for the event. Do not arrive expecting to park beside the sculptures.
Event parking is generally available at Falkirk Stadium. Spaces are shared with many other participants and spectators, so arrive early and park only in marked bays. Blue Badge spaces may be provided within the stadium car park.
Do not park on pavements, verges or nearby residential streets. Obstructive parking can prevent access for emergency vehicles, wheelchair users and families with buggies.
Road Closures and Park Access
Although the route is contained largely within Helix Park, temporary restrictions may affect entrances, car parks and surrounding roads.
Check the current Event Information Pack shortly before attending. Follow signs on arrival rather than relying on a route used during an ordinary visit.
Some paths may remain available to members of the public. Give runners priority where instructed and do not cross the course unless a marshal confirms it is safe.
Helix Park is a shared public space. Avoid blocking access to local businesses, residential streets or emergency routes.
Dress for the Conditions
A mild afternoon can become a cold evening quickly. Spectators spend more time standing still than participants, so bring additional layers, gloves and waterproof clothing.
Children should wear something bright and carry contact details in case a group becomes separated. Glow sticks can be useful for identification, but loose cords should be avoided near young children.
Pack a dry top for your runner. There are no shower facilities, and participants can cool down rapidly once they stop moving.
A small bag containing water, a snack and a portable phone charger can make the evening more comfortable.
Set a Clear Meeting Point
“The Kelpies” is not precise enough. The sculptures are surrounded by paths, visitor facilities and large crowds.
Choose an exact location such as a named entrance, sign or designated reunion point shown on the event map. Select a backup point in case access changes.
Agree that everyone will remain at the first point for a set period before moving. Mobile messages may be delayed when the venue is busy.
Families supervising children should make sure they understand where to go if separated. Event staff can help, but a simple family plan is invaluable.
Make Your Support Shine
Supernova is as much about participation and fun as speed. Cheer for walkers, families and first-time runners as enthusiastically as the fastest competitors.
Use names where visible and keep encouragement positive. Avoid comments about pace or position unless you know that is what your runner wants to hear.
Join the visual celebration with fluorescent clothing or a light-up sign, but keep flashing items away from participants’ eyes. With a clear travel plan and warm clothing, spectators can help make Supernova Kelpies a genuinely magical evening.