Run Balmoral: a festival for all runners
6 January 2025
Image credit: Run Balmoral, Fraser Clyne
A Runner’s Paradise
It's no surprise that Aberdeenshire is a hotbed destination for running enthusiasts. Endless forest trails, scenic long-distance pathways, stunning mountain tracks, and beautiful coastal byways offer a gloriously diverse range of attractive places to get outdoors and put a few miles under your belt.
If you are looking to add a competitive edge to your running, albeit within a relaxed, friendly, and supportive atmosphere, then Deeside's annual Run Balmoral event is the perfect choice to make.
When and Where: Key Details
This community running festival takes place over the weekend of 26-27 April 2025 and offers a variety of races for all the family. No matter what pace you run at, or what age you are, there is something here for you.
It's all held within the beautiful grounds of the Balmoral Estate with the famous castle, home to the Royal Family since Victorian times, providing a spectacular backdrop to the races.
Between 4,000 and 5,000 participants, including international athletes, club racers, and recreational runners, are joined by 10,000 spectators for this hugely popular event, which was first held in 1998.
A Race for Everyone
The action kicks off on Saturday with primary schools 1.5k and secondary schools 2.5k, together with 5k and 10k adult races. On Sunday, there's a choice of a six-mile or 15-mile trail race for adults. For those hardy souls looking for a bigger challenge, there's the Devil of Deeside contest in which competitors tackle the 5k, 10k, 6-mile, and 15-mile races - the winner being the person with the fastest combined time!
Everyone is given a warm North-east welcome and the achievement of every finisher is celebrated enthusiastically. All races are held on traffic-free roads and trails, offering superb views of the Deeside countryside and the Cairngorm mountains.
A Medal with Meaning
Competitors in each run receive a special medal featuring a local landmark - this year it's the Auld Brig o’Dee. And, for the first time, instead of t-shirts, the organisers are making a significant contribution to a sustainable tree-planting project in the River Dee Valley - one tree for every runner.
In addition to the races, there's a vibrant Event Village offering a wide range of top-class catering facilities and numerous fun activities for children. Visitors are also free to explore the wonderful Balmoral grounds and gardens.
Ready to Run?
So, whether you are a relative newcomer to running or an experienced club athlete, why not sample Run Balmoral this Spring. Lace up your trainers and start your preparations now. It will be a great experience. You'll not regret it.
Sign up now at www.runbalmoral.com to secure your spot.