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.
ConocoPhillips 5K
The ConocoPhillips 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.
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
Apollo Duathlon
Aberdeen based engineering and project services provider Apollo are our sponsor for the duathlon featuring a 16K mountain biking stage with a 6k run to start and a 5k run to finish.
Bristow Group 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!
Bristow Group 3 Mile Trail Race
Don’t be fooled into thinking the Bristow Group 3 Mile trail race is an easy option! This fast little trail race heads off adjacent to the river Dee before turning up hill. In just 2 miles you climb 350 Meters, before a fast descent for the last mile. A mix of tarmac, track and slippy grass, this is a true all terrain event!
Weekend Challenges
Repsol Sinopec Devil of Deeside
Can you handle the Devil O Deeside? To dance with the Devil you have to complete the Stena Drilling 10K, ConocoPhillips 5K, Bristow Group 15 Mile Trail race and the Apollo Duathlon! 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 / ConocoPhillips Corporate Team Challenge
Saturday 21st April 2018 – Corporate Challenge Trophy The StenaDrilling – ConocoPhillips Corporate Team Challenge is an exciting competition embodied within RunBalmoral 2018. 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 2018.
welcome
reasons to run with us!
Be Healthy
Regular running helps you stay fit and healthy.
Spectacular Scenery
Enjoy the fresh air and the spectacular scenery, from mountains to the castle and its landscaped grounds.
Fun for friends and families
A great day out for runners and spectators, with an event village on site.
Raise money for charity
It is an opportunity to not only get fit and have a great day out, but to make a donation to a nominated charity.
We are delighted to announce that RunBalmoral 2019 will be held over the weekend of Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th April. Entries will open on the 7th November 2018 at noon for the programme of eight races catering for all age groups. This will be the 22nd year of the event and we will once again look forward to welcoming more than 5,000 entrants and as many spectators to the estate. Put it in your diary now!
James Knowles
Chairman, Balmoral Road Races Ltd
Stay tuned with updates
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YOUNG ARTISTS ABBY AND ERIN WIN BALMORAL COMPETITION - AND £250 FOR THEIR SCHOOLS
Artistically talented north east youngsters Abby Dear,11, and Erin Sutherland,12, have beaten off the challenge of hundreds of entrants to win a competition for their designs to be worn by runners at the 22nd annual Run Balmoral races in April.
Abby, a P7 pupil at Fishermoss School, Portlethen, will see her colourfull illustration appear on the t-shirts for the MPH primary schools 1.5km, while Erin, who attends Kemnay Academy,has produced an excellent composition for the secondary schools 2.5km.
Abby’s success has inspired other members of her family to take part in the Balmoral races on what promises to be a great family day out. Mum, Lisa, said:”Abby will run in the primary schools race along with her niece,Jessica, while I am going to run in the 5km with my sister Amanda.
“This will be our first time at Balmoral but I’ve looked at the photos from previous years and it looks a lovely setting. Abby was really chuffed to win the competition and she’s looking forward to being there.”
Erin’s success in the secondary schools competition isn’t the first time her artistic skills have been recognised, as her mum Anne, explained: “She loves art and her mosaic design was one of four chosen to be displayed outside Kintore school last year. We were proud of her for that - and now she has won this as well.”
Anne and husband Mark are enthusiastic runners, both being members of JS Kintore, but they are disappointed that they and Erin will miss the trip to Balmoral because of another exciting commitment.
Mark said:”Anne was lucky enough to get a place in the London marathon which is the same weekend as Balmoral. So we had all arranged to go down before we heard Erin won the competition. Otherwise we would certainly have been there.”
James Knowles, Chairman of Run Balmoral, praised the high standard of submissions. He said: “We received so many exciting and imaginative drawings, so it was very difficult to choose the winners.
Abby and Erin’s designs are excellent and I’m sure they will take a lot of pride from seeing the finished product on the t-shirts on race day. I would, however, like to congratulate everyone who took part and I wish to express my sincere thanks to the parents and teachers who assisted.”
Both girls travelled to the Run-4-It shop in Aberdeen where they were each presented with a £250 cheque for their schools to spend on any sports-related activity. They also received a Run-4-It goody bag, free entry to the Balmoral races and a framed copy of their winning designs. Abby received her prize from Bert McIntosh of race sponsors McIntosh Plant Hire Ltd while Erin was presented with her award by James Knowles, Chairman of Run Balmoral.
Pictures show:
1) Abby’s winning design
2) Erin’s winning design
3) Abby's Presentation: Left to right – Lucy Taylor (Run-4-It), Bert McIntosh (McIntosh Plant Hire Ltd), Abby, Lisa Dear (mum), Mrs Sayer (Abby’s teacher, Fishermoss School).
4) Erin's presentation: left to right – Lucy Taylor (Run-4-It), Erin, Mark Sutherland (dad), Anne Sutherland (mum), Megan (sister), Lisbeth Paul (Kemnay Academy), James Knowles (Run Balmoral)
Well done Abby xx
Photographer did a good job 😁
Well done girls, super designs!
Fantastic well fine Abby ax
Well done Abby. Xx
Good job girls !!!
Places still available. Runbalmoral.com
Claire Cooper
Hannah Brown
Geraldine Silver
Mark Baddeley
Iain Sutherland Abby McInnes??
Amy Hamilton
Jodie, Scott? (No more half maras eva! 😉)
Anna Gmoch.😀
Mhairi Mike
Can’t wait - this is my reason to get out and train as I made such a mess it last year!!! My favourite run, love it. Xx 😄
Chris Holmes-Gwillim Mark Stoddart
Be quick - it sells out in a flash. I’ve been too late a few times..
Katrina
April u home for this? X
Harley Stewart
Mel AW?
Nick Ross
Elaine Lyall💛
Graeme Kiddie- something for everyone?
Brian Macleod will I enter?
Mary Milne, entered!🏃🏻♀️
Steve Coull
Hughie Rose Martin McLarty what you think?
Reign Lea.....
Iain Goolager
We will soon be announcing the winners of our Sports Bursary grants for 2019.
In the meantime we continue to be delighted to hear about some of the successful 2018 projects, such as the Harlaw Academy Running Group's activities over the course of the year.
Here's what they said:
"Firstly, I wish to thank you for making a contribution to our project – “Harlaw Academy Running Group”.
A group of 11 individuals have been training regularly on a Thursday evening with Mr Nelson doing distance runs after school. Since the winter months have kicked in this term, we have used the funding provided to us by your Bursary to purchase 9 waterproof and hi-vis jackets, enabling runners to be warm, dry and safe when road running in Aberdeen’s busy city centre. The total cost for these jackets was £141.90.
In 2019, the successful running group will take part in school-based competition’s, such as the Albyn and RGC Cross Country, Active Schools Giant Heptathlon, Active Schools Secondary Youth Games and be marshals at the Fun Run Series also run by Active Schools. A couple of individuals from the running club took part in these events in 2018, as well as competing in the Union Street Mile and Baker Hughes 2.5k Schools race.
As an ASG with well-established jogging groups at Primary School level, it has been particularly important for us to have a running club at Secondary School. This has helped us continue to keep children enthusiastic in the sport, as well as maintain and encourage a healthy, active lifestyle in teenagers.
Thank you for your support of our club.
Yours sincerely,
Kelly Forrest
Active Schools Coordinator’s (Harlaw ASG)
Please support our friends over at @Run4It (Aberdeen) by VOTING for them in the Customer Service & Independent Retailer categories, in the 2019 Running Awards! A great bunch, passionate about helping runners, who really deserve the recognition!
👉 therunningawards.com/vote/215#vote
Once the copy is posted the website visual should appear.
Time is running out!
The deadline for applications for our Sports Bursary is midnight on 30th November.
We have up to £3,000 available for projects which encourage youngsters take part in running or other active sporting activities.
A proportion of our budget is available for projects which specifically lead to a direct increase in participation levels in the secondary schools 2.5km race, including transport subisidy for groups hoping to take part.
Full details are on our website www.runbalmoral.com
Becky
Charley Peppitt
Carly Stubbs??
Claire Gray 🙂 Emsie....advert for Run balmoral xx
For the HOB running club Caroline McLean? Not sure if it’s relevant but thought I’d pass it on just in case.
Debbie Chalmers
Polly Burnett
We are proud to announce that the Bristow Group is to sponsor the Run Balmoral 2019 trail races.
The Bristow 15 Mile Trail race and the Bristow 3 Mile Trail race will both take place on Sunday 28th April 2019 and,as usual, we expect a large and enthusiastic turn out for both events.
Run Balmoral Chairman James Knowles said: “We are delighted to welcome the Bristow Group on board for what promises to be another exciting event which never fails to capture the enthusiasm of runners from all over the country.”
Matt Rhodes, Director UK & Turkmenistan Oil and Gas at Bristow Helicopters, added: “We are proud to give our support to Run Balmoral which, set across one of Scotland’s most prestigious venues, offers real tests of endurance for runners of all capabilities – many of which our North Sea and Search and Rescue team members have tackled as competitors over the years.
“The Bristow 15 Mile Trail will test the stamina of athletes of all abilities, while the Bristow 3 Mile Trail offers a short, steep, multi-surface challenge which puts a different set of running skills to the test.
“Run Balmoral has rightly established itself as one of the most popular events, and series of routes, in the north-east race calendar and we look forward to taking part as supporters in 2019.”
Photo shows: Matt Rhodes (Bristow), James Knowles (Chairman, Run Balmoral), Ian McCabe (Bristow), Robbie Simpson.
Enter now at www.runbalmoral.com
RUN BALMORAL 2019 IS UP AND RUNNING - ARE YOU READY?
Scotland’s Commonwealth Games marathon bronze medallist Robbie Simpson was on hand to help launch the 2019 Run Balmoral races today when event Chairman James Knowles revealed that all participating runners will, next Spring, receive the first in a series of five unique medals.
The 22nd edition of the popular Deeside running festival takes place over the weekend of 27-28 April 2019 and entries have now opened with organisers expecting more than 5,500 people to sign up for the programme of eight races catering for all age groups.
Knowles also announced that the Bristow Group has signed up as a new sponsor for the 15 mile and 3 mile trail races both of which take place, along with the Apollo duathlon, on the second day of the biggest running festival in Aberdeenshire.
The opening day of the festival begins with the MPH primary schools 1.5km races and the secondary schools 2.5km followed by the ConocoPhillips 5km and the Stena Drilling 10km.
And, returning for a third year is the Repsol Sinopec Devil of Deeside Challenge. This gruelling event requires competitors to take part in four adult races over the two days - the 5km and 10km on the Saturday, followed by the duathlon and 15 mile trail race on the Sunday. The man and woman with the best cumulative time from the four races will win a fantastic trophy and prize, and everyone taking part in the challenge will receive a limited edition Devil of Deeside race t-shirt and running vest.
Knowles said: “We are delighted to welcome the Bristow Group on board for what promises to be another exciting event which never fails to capture the enthusiasm of runners from all over the country.”
Matt Rhodes, Director UK & Turkmenistan Oil and Gas at Bristow Helicopters, added: “We are proud to give our support to Run Balmoral which, set across one of Scotland’s most prestigious venues, offers real tests of endurance for runners of all capabilities – many of which our North Sea and Search and Rescue team members have tackled as competitors over the years.
“The Bristow 15 Mile Trail will test the stamina of athletes of all abilities, while the Bristow 3 Mile Trail offers a short, steep, multi-surface challenge which puts a different set of running skills to the test.
“Run Balmoral has rightly established itself as one of the most popular events, and series of routes, in the north-east race calendar and we look forward to taking part as supporters in 2019.”
Knowles also provided details of the unique new medal collection available to Balmoral runners. He said: “I am also pleased to reveal that the medal to be awarded to every participant in 2019 will be the first of a special series over the next five years, each featuring an iconic landmark within and around the Balmoral estate. The 2019 medal will show Lochnagar while in subsequent years we will include the Auld Brig o’Dee, Balmoral Castle, Crathie Kirk and Albert’s Cairn. I am sure these will become collectible items and runners will want to acquire a complete set.”
Simpson, 26, who in addition to his success in the marathon at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, is also one of the world’s top mountain runners, has always been a fan of the Balmoral event. One of the first races he tackled was the secondary schools run 14 years ago and he has since gone on to win the 10km and long trail races on three occasions each, setting a number of records along the way.
He said: “Balmoral is such a brilliant event because there’s a race for every age and ability and the courses run through some of the best scenery in Scotland. It has the feel of a really big race with thousands of runners and supporters, but some sections of the course through the forest are quiet and it’s a nice contrast. I’d recommend this event to anyone who hasn’t been before as it’s a classic event and a great day out for all the family.”
Knowles went on to pay tribute to the many sponsors, charities and volunteers who contribute to making Run Balmoral a significant community event.
He said: “I am grateful to all our sponsors who, despite the harsh realities of the economic climate, continue to give us tremendous support. These companies have worked with us in a positive and proactive way to ensure we have a successful event. Not only do they provide financial backing, they also encourage their employees to take part in big numbers, which they do. Without this loyal support, RunBalmoral could not happen.
“We are currently still looking for a backer for the secondary schools race and would be pleased to hear from anyone who might be interested. As Robbie Simpson has shown, this event can be the breeding ground for stars of the future.
“We are also delighted to once again be working in partnership with Balmoral Estate and to have the support of Aberdeenshire Council as well as many local community organisations who contribute to making the whole occasion something special.
“The Balmoral Estate offers one of the most dramatic settings for a running event, not just in the UK, but worldwide. Last year more than 5,500 runners of all ages signed up for the programme of eight races, and in keeping with the strong community focus of the event, these Balmoral runners raised well in excess of £100,000 for local charities. We will again be involved with a number of nominated charities in 2019 and we encourage runners to get involved in supporting these organisations. The charities have without doubt added a real vibrancy to RunBalmoral.
“With thousands of spectators coming along to support the runners, the estate will be buzzing with excitement and for those not taking part in the races there is an opportunity to visit the Event Village where a range of activities for all ages will be on offer.
“Finally, I’d like to invite runners to enter RunBalmoral as soon as possible by going to our website. Many of the races sold out well before the official closing date last year, so anyone thinking about taking part is encouraged to sign up quickly.”
Corrine Wilkie Sandra Stephen
Ray Liversidge - fancy doing the Devil???
Mamun Rzak Suzanne Hunter David Marcella Andrew Richert
Katrina Duncan
Debbie Foreman, Nicola Welsh, Michelle Sims, Gillian Grant, Anna Gmoch.😀🏃🏻♀️💕
I ran the 5k.and 10k this year and loved them!!! Gutted that Saturdays races clash with the start of the Trilogy races next year,,,, bummer 🙁
Katrina - this gives the details
Steven McIntyre
Chrristine Morrag
Darren Gibb
Jonathan Dee! 🏃🏻♀️🏃🏻♀️🏃🏻♀️
Julie B Taylor
NOT LONG NOW!
The excitement is building.
Entries for RUNBALMORAL 2019 open at noon on Wednesday 7th November.... so be ready!
Places in many of our races are quickly taken up so it's best to sign up early and take all the stress out of it!
Good luck. We look forward to welcoming you for the 22nd edition of our annual event.
Calum Lockerbie Donna Hanley Trevor Ross Carole Brown Elaine Fyvie Elaine Cranna Liz Rattray James Rattray
Amy Ronald Daniel Ronald
Ashley Wallace Louisa Marshall Ayesha Cameron Julie Williams 🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️
Denise Wood Jim Wood Gary Cheyne
Open !!! I am going! Woo hoo!
Nicola Ewing you going?
David Croll, Fionnuala Swann, Dean Ralphson??? Shall we do it again?? xxx
David Scott Pamela Harrison look at the FLJs 😊
Annie Baker-Patch Russell Cannon Stephanie Mcintosh Hannah Slesser ....day trip?!
Jonathan Crowther Emma Mowat
Stuart Harper Donna Harper a must for next year! 👍
Judy Laing Joy Furmage Gill Bruce Decision time 😊. Anyone up for it? Registration opens tomorrow
Natalie Hardie I am on it!! 😁
Nathalie Goodchild Laura Thomas are we doing this?
Yvonne Robertson you going?? X
Duathlon Susan? 🙈
Kelly R Buchan going??? X
Stuart Jack wild haggis 🤣 stay in one spot and run circles around yourself for fastest time .. near a pub obviously don't get dehydrated... good luck 😁
Leonie Kirk - you entering? X
MJ O'Tiarnaigh Jill Smith Stuart Jack hope you’re all ready for the infamous hill! 😊 🏃♀️ 💦
Lynne Herd are you running this again? Xx
Jenny Campbell fancy this?
🤣😥💜
I’ve done the 15 miler the last 3 years and have unfortunately got progressively slower! I absolutely love this run regardless of my fitness level but will use my last 3 years times as a training benchmark for improvement. Fabulous event, one of my favs. Xx 😆👍😊
OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHARITIES
Run Balmoral participants raise more than £100,000 each year for our official charities. It is another example of the wonderful community spirit which typifies the event.
We already have a number of organisations who have signed up for the 2019 Run Balmoral races but a few vacancies exist in our charity programme.
So if your charity would like to be part of the Run Balmoral community, please get in touch with us to find out more about the benefits of being an official race charity.
We can offer your runners guaranteed places in any of our races; you can have dedicated space in one of our marques at the Event Village;promotional banners close to the start/finish line of the races; an advert in our race programme and promotional opportunities via social media platforms.
Contact us at info@runbalmoral.com
Caitlin Stewart TJ I would run in the 5 k for you, perhaps some of the other mums too? Do you want to look into it?
Lesley Fletcher......can you please follow this up - thanks xx
Di Forbz
Phionna McInnes
T-SHIRT DESIGN COMPETITION CLOSING DATE IS SOON
Get your entries in soon! Our t-shirt design competition closes on Monday 5th November so time is running out.
North east youngsters are being given the opportunity to design RunBalmoral 2019 race t-shirt logos – and win £250 for their schools.
We are offering all school pupils the chance to design an exciting image for the front of the t-shirts to be given out to all participants in the MPH Primary Schools 1.5km and the Secondary Schools 2.5km races at next year's event which takes place on Saturday 27th April 2019.
There are separate competitions for primary and secondary schools. Primary school pupils can submit entries only for the primary school race t-shirt competition and secondary school pupils can submit entries only for the secondary school race t-shirt competition.
Pupils should draw their designs,no bigger than A4 size, then scan/photograph/copy them and send by email to info@runbalmoral.com
Entries must arrive by 5.00pm on Monday 5th November 2018. The winning entries will be chosen by the Board of RunBalmoral.
The winner will receive a free entry to RunBalmoral 2019 and a voucher from RUN-4-IT. In addition, the winner’s school will receive £250 to be used for any sports related project.
This could be used for paying for transport to allow pupils to access sports events/facilities or for purchasing kit or equipment.
Full details here:-
runbalmoral.com/content/category/news/
RUN BALMORAL SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Three exciting new opportunities have opened up for companies to become involved with Run Balmoral 2019.
We are looking to sign up title sponsors for the 2019 secondary schools 2.5km race and the 15 and 3 Mile Trail races.
We are also offering a sponsorship opportunity for our new 'Get Ready to Run Balmoral' programme of training events to be hosted by a top class international distance runner.
So, if you are interested in playing a key role in what is one of the north east's biggest sporting participation and community charity events, please get in touch with us.
If you would like to know more, contact us at info@runbalmoral.com
Ross Brown Kirsty Brown (show scott)
Judy Laing registration opens in Nov. Joy Furmage how's your running going? 🏃🏃
Sarah Ellison you up for the 5?
Innes Moir Lets do it again Da
Chrristine Morrag going to attempt the 10K next year
Pauline, Pauline, pauline 🙈 Stuart? X
Eilidh Nnoble?
Ewan Ogilvie
Ruthie Barclay-Paterson
Corrine Wilkie
PUPILS BENEFIT FROM EMMA'S PRIZE
The girls football team at the Gordon Schools, Huntly has been kitted out with smart new strips with the help of a prize from Run Balmoral.
Emma Barclay won the competition to design the logo for the 2018 secondary schools 2.5km at Balmoral in April.
Part of Emma's prize was a cheque for £250 to be spent on any sports related project and she chose to help out the football team.
The 2019 t-shirt design competition is now underway with the same prizes on offer for pupils designing t-shirts for next year's MPH primary schools race and the secondary schools race.
Entries close on 5th November. More details can be found by scrolling down this page.
OPPORTUNITY FOR CHARITIES TO BECOME OFFICIAL RUNBALMORAL PARTNERS
Participants in the Run Balmoral races have raised in excess of £500,000 for local charities over the past five years. It's a fantastic achievement and it's something we are keen to encourage and develop in the future. We work in partnership with a number of official charities each year and currently we have a few vacancies for new charities to come on board. If you would like to know more about our charity packages, then please contact us at info@runbalmoral.com
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.
Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) is the People’s Helicopter – saving and improving lives in every corner of Scotland, 365 days a year.
