For those whose fitness regime is robust enough to survive the Christmas excess, Edinburgh's New Year's Day Triathlon offers a proper 1st January workout. Participation in the triathlon is a serious undertaking, and it's a tribute to the enthusiasm of the city's sporting community that it invariably books out well before any other Hogmanay event.

The main Triathlon combines three disciplines: 12 lengths of the University of Edinburgh's swimming pool, three circuits round Holyrood Park on a bicycle and then, on foot, a lung-busting 3-mile lap of Arthur's Seat.  The event's survived the temporary closure of the Royal Commonwealth Pool and subsequent withdrawal of its usual organizers, and entries opened late this year; but there's a silver lining to every cloud, since at time of writing, there are still places available for both individuals and relay teams.

At the opposing end of the athletic scale, the same team's organizing The Great Pyjamas Caper - a fun run for under-16's in aid of Edinburgh's Sick Kids Hospital.  Participants are encouraged to wear their jim-jams to tackle the one-kilometre course, which takes in Dynamic Earth and the Scottish Parliament.

The children's event starts at 11am, and the adults are out of the blocks an hour later. With the winning time expected to be barely an hour, it all wraps up in the spectacular setting of Holyrood Park from about 1:30.  You can find out more on the event organizer's web site, and you can enter either race online.  Pre-booking's essential for participants, and the triathlon, in particular, will be full well before New Year.  Spectators, of course, can just turn up.