We are very pleased to announce that entries have now opened for Run Balmoral 2025. The event will take place over the weekend of April 26-27.
And, in a major move towards improving our sustainability objectives, Run Balmoral 2025 will contribute to one of the biggest nature restoration projects ever undertaken in the Cairngorms.
The River Dee Trust conservation charity has committed to planting a million native trees along the riverbank between now and 2035 as part of a massive scheme to help protect Atlantic salmon and other wildlife in and around the River Dee and its tributaries. The project was launched in 2020 and already over 460,000 native trees have been planted.
So, in 2025, instead of providing t-shirts to competitors, Run Balmoral will contribute one new tree for every runner who signs up to take part in our races. This means we could be planting more than 5,000 trees next year.
It’s something we have been aiming to do for some time and after discussion with our sponsors and listening to comments from runners, we feel this is the right decision to make.
We also have a new event for 2025, with the duathlon being replaced by a six-mile trail race on day two.
Our other popular races will remain: the MPH primary schools 1.5k, the RAM Tubulars secondary schools 2.5k, the Harbour Energy 5k, and the Stena Drilling 10k on the Saturday, followed by the new six-mile trail race and the Bristow 15-mile trail race on the Sunday.
And, of course, the John Clark Motor Group Devil of Deeside offers the ultimate challenge – with runners tackling the 5k, 10k, six-mile, and 15-mile races.
We will be awarding all runners with The fifth and final medal in our series depicting notable landmarks within and around the Balmoral Estate. In 2025, it will feature the Auld Brig o’Dee.
We’ll look forward to welcoming you to Run Balmoral next April. Make sure of your place by signing up today.
James Knowles
Chairman, Balmoral Road Races Ltd
Run Balmoral 2024 Event Programme
Each year we produce an Event Programme with a summary of the event, so if you would like to find out more you can download the pdf here. Download it to your phone for quick reference on the event weekend.
Run Balmoral 2025 Event Information Leaflet
Balmoral Estate is approximately 50 miles West of Aberdeen, just off the A93 in scenic Royal Deeside and can be reached from the South on the A93 (Deeside Tourist Route) via Perth and Glenshee. Download the Event Information leaflet for more event info – find out more you can download the pdf here.
We are absolutely delighted to announce that Bilfinger UK is to sponsor the new 6 mile trail race at Run Balmoral 2025.
Sandy Bonner, President of Bilfinger Engineering and Maintenance UK, said: “We are excited to be part of this great community event. At Bilfinger, we believe in promoting health, wellness, and sustainability, and this event perfectly aligns with our values.
“The Bilfinger 6 Mile Trail Race is a new feature for 2025 and we look forward to celebrating the achievements of all participants who take on the course, which will be held in the spectacular surroundings of the Balmoral Estate with the famous Castle providing an excellent backdrop!”
Run Balmoral Chair James Knowles added: “We are thrilled to have Bilfinger on board as sponsor of our new six mile trail race next April and we’ll look forward to working closely with them to ensure the success of the event.”
The new event will also be part of the John Clark Devil of Deeside Challenge in which competitors tackle the Harbour Energy 5k and the Stena Drilling 10k on the Saturday followed by the Bilfinger 6 mile trail race and the Bristow 15 mile trail race on the Sunday. The winners are those wth the best cumulative times from the four races.
All races are held on traffic-free roads and trails, offering amazing views of the Deeside countryside and the Cairngorm mountains. Competitors in each run will receive a special medal featuring a local landmark, with the 2025 medal showcasing the Auld Brig o’Dee.
In a move towards sustainability, rather than issuing t-shirts, a significant contribution will be made to a tree planting project in the River Dee Valley.
The 2025 event takes place over the weekend of 26-27 April.
Run Balmoral 2024 Annual Report
Run Balmoral 2024 has once again surpassed expectations, drawing a record-breaking 4,302 runners to the scenic routes of Aberdeenshire. The event showcased extraordinary talent, with Scotland international Sean Chalmers clinching three race victories and Sally Wallis setting a new benchmark in the women’s Devil of Deeside competition. Looking ahead, Run Balmoral is committed to environmental stewardship, pledging to plant a tree for every participant in 2025, marking a shift towards sustainability. With the introduction of a new six-mile trail race and continued community and sponsor support, the event is a beacon of athletic excellence and ecological responsibility. Discover the full story of triumph and future aspirations in our comprehensive annual report (pdf 21.7MB).
A smaller, alternate download version of the report can be found here (pdf 3.4MB)
Saturday Events
Stena Drilling 10K
The Stena Drilling 10K takes you through some beautiful Highland scenery on the Balmoral Estate and will be clearly marked and well marshalled.
Harbour Energy 5K
The Harbour Energy 5K all takes place on estate tarmac roads. The race begins heading west from the Castle adjacent the river Dee to a turn point at the Highland Pony Stud. There is a slight incline as the route returns to the castle via the “top road” which has magnificent views of Balmoral Castle and gardens.
MPH Primary Schools Run 1.5k
The race where some of our national and International runners started! The race is completely contained on tarmac roads in the estate and passes right in front of Balmoral Castle! Well marshalled and signed throughout with a lead cyclist and sweep runner. The race starts and finishes at the main finish gantry.
RAM Tubulars Secondary Schools 2.5k
Once past primary School age many of our runners graduate to the 2.5K event. The race is completely contained on tarmac roads in the estate and passes right in front of Balmoral Castle! Well marshalled and signed throughout with a lead cyclist and sweep runner. The race starts and finishes at the main finish gantry.
Sunday Events
Bristow 15 Mile Trail Race
An epic 15 miles of Highland scenery. There is something special about this event! You start in view of Balmoral Castle and run out west adjacent the magnificent river Dee before beginning a gradual climb through the Ballochbuie pine forest. Then at mile 8, you leave the river and begin a climb to the base of Lochnagar, an ascent of about 120 meters. The last 3 miles are a rush as you hurtle down towards the Castle once again; but beware..there is a sting in the tail!
Bilfinger 6 Mile Trail Race
This exciting new event is held over a testing two-lap course which takes you along the banks of the River Dee before turning uphill. For 2 miles on each lap you will climb 350 metres before descending for a fast mile back to the start. It’s a mix of tarmac, track and grass, making this is a true all-
terrain event!
Weekend Challenges
John Clark Motor Group Devil of Deeside
Can you handle the John Clark Motor Group Devil O Deeside? To dance with the Devil you have to complete the Stena Drilling 10K, Harbour Energy 5K, Bristow 15 Mile Trail race and the Bilfinger 6 Mile Trail Race! There will be two categories of winner; male with the fastest overall cumulative time and female with the fastest cumulative time. That’s it!
Stena Drilling / Harbour Energy Corporate Team Challenge
Corporate Challenge Trophy The StenaDrilling – Harbour Energy Corporate Team Challenge is an exciting competition embodied within RunBalmoral. It provides a wonderful opportunity for you to get together with your work / colleagues to compete for the magnificent team trophy to be awarded to the RunBalmoral Corporate Team Challenge Champions.
Support Women’s Health Research at the University of Aberdeen
Friends of the Neonatal Unit is the official charity of Aberdeen Maternity Hospital’s Neonatal Unit for premature and sick babies.
The FOS Group has been formed by engineering experts Apollo and offshore construction specialists AquaTerra to give our clients in the North Sea a simpler, smarter alternative to delivering projects on and offshore for the oil and gas business.
HOURS AWAY FROM MAJOR DEADLINE
If you want to secure a place at Run Balmoral 2025 - and have your race bib mailed out to you - we must receive your entry by midnight on SUNDAY 13 APRIL!
So, don't hesitate - sign-up now on www.runbalmoral.com
You may, however, still be able to get a place after that date. But, if you sign-up between 14 and 19 April, you will have to collect your race bib at Balmoral on the day. That means getting there much earlier.
So, why not avoid the hassle and enter now. ... See MoreSee Less
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Cameron Falconer??
HARBOUR ENERGY 5K IS FULL BUT YOU CAN STILL RUN AT BALMORAL.
Wow! We have a capacity field of 1250 runners for the Harbour Energy 5k, which means entries have now closed!
The Bilfinger 6 mile trail race reached capacity last week.
But don't worry, you can still enjoy the Run Balmoral experience as there are still places available in our other races.
So, why not try the Stena Drilling 10k or the Bristow 15 mile trail race? Both offer fantastic challenges over stunning courses.
And for our younger runners, there's still a chance to compete in the MPH primary schools 1.5k and the RAM Tubulars Secondary schools 2.5k.
Here's a reminder of our entry deadlines:
Enter up to midnight on 13 April - for bibs without names. These will be mailed to you.
Enter from 14-19 April - if you enter during this period, your race bib will have to be collected at Balmoral on race day.
Last possible day to enter is 19 April.
Sign up now on www.runbalmoral.com
#devilofdeeside
#runbalmoral2025
#scotlandrunning #beautifulruns
#TrailRunning
#roadrunning
#runscotland #runningcommunity #bestrun
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Will there be any chance to get a space for the 5k if someone cancels?
My favourite running weekend of the year, gutted I’m missing it this time..😢
Looking forward to it. It will be my 10th Balmoral.
Looks like I’m leading the race ….. unfortunately I’m definitely not 🤣🤣🤣
What a stunningly beautiful day it has been at Balmoral - let's hope it's like this on 26-27 April.
It's not too late to enter.
You can sign up now at www.runbalmoral.com
#devilofdeeside
#runbalmoral2025
#scotlandrunning #beautifulruns
#TrailRunning
#roadrunning
#runscotland #runningcommunity #bestrun
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Anne Duffus Anne Duffus
RACE HOTTING UP FOR ABERDEENSHIRE SCHOOLS TROPHIES AS DEADLINE APPROACHES
The race is hotting up in the exciting battle to win the Aberdeenshire schools trophies at this year's Run Balmoral festival of running.
Schools must sign up their runners by the close of play on 12 April.
to be eligible for these much sought after awards.
There are three trophies up for grabs,and each of these goes to the school with the most entrants in either the MPH primary schools 1.5k or the RAM Tubulars Secondary Schools 2.5k
The categories are:
Primary schools with under 100 pupils.
Primary schools with 100 or more pupils.
Secondary schools.
You can enter now at www.runbalmoral.com
Remember to include the name of your school.
#schoolrunners
#youngrunners
#devilofdeeside
#runbalmoral2025
#scotlandrunning #beautifulruns
#TrailRunning
#roadrunning
#runscotland #runningcommunity #bestrun
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BILFINGER 6 MILE TRAIL RACE REACHES CAPACITY.
Public entries to the Bilfinger six mile trail race have now closed as our capacity has been reached.
However, some of our official charities may still have places available, so check them out quickly.
And, we are still accepting entries for the John Clark Motor Group Devil of Deeside Challenge which,of course, includes the Bilfinger 6 mile trail race.
We are also getting very close to reaching capacity in the Harbour Energy 5k, but places are available in all other races at the moment.
#devilofdeeside
#runbalmoral2025
#scotlandrunning #beautifulruns
#TrailRunning
#roadrunning
#runscotland #runningcommunity #bestrun
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FIRST DEADLINE IS MIDNIGHT TONIGHT!
(Tuesday 2 April).
Get your Run Balmoral entries submitted by midnight tonight if you want your first name printed on your race bib.
Having your name on the bib gives you another wonderful personal memento of the occasion. Spectators can also give you a name check and give you an encouraging cheer along if they see your number.
Entrants in the John Clark Devil of Deeside Challenge also get the iconic Devil logo on their bibs.
So, be quick. Sign up now on www.runbalmoral.com
***Entries will remain open beyond this date (subject to availability), but bibs will not have your name printed on them. Keep an eye on our Social media for updates.
#devilofdeeside
#runbalmoral2025
#scotlandrunning #beautifulruns
#TrailRunning
#roadrunning
#runscotland #runningcommunity #bestrun
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Jill Murray u in 🤔
Ok guys, here's your final deadlines for claiming a place at this year's Run Balmoral races to be held on 26-27 April.
Enter up to midnight on 2 April - for bibs with your first name printed on front. These will be mailed to you.
Enter up to midnight on 13 April - for bibs without names. These will be mailed to you.
Enter from 14-19 April - if you enter during this period, your race bib will have to be collected at Balmoral on race day.
Last possible day to enter is 19 April.
All subject to availability. Some races may close earlier if capacity is reached.
Don't delay, do it now.
www.runbalmoral.com
#devilofdeeside
#runbalmoral2025
##scotlandrunning #beautifulruns
#TrailRunning
#roadrunning
#runscotland #runningcommunity #bestrun
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Karen Buchan you coming? There’s a 6 and 15 on the Sunday 🙂
Stan Beattie
Jade Rae 😉
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
GET IN BEFORE THE GATES CLOSE!
The Run Balmoral entry gates will be closing soon, so get in quick before you are locked out!
There's nothing worse than missing a great party, so don't delay in claiming your place at the table.
April 2nd is the deadline for making sure your name appears on your race bib. It will still be possible to sign-up for one week after that, although some races are getting very close to capacity.
So, avoid disappointment. Make your commitment now and enter at www.runbalmoral.com
#devilofdeeside
#runbalmoral2025
#scotlandrunning #beautifulruns
#TrailRunning
#roadrunning
#runscotland #runningcommunity #bestrun
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