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 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.
Run Balmoral 2025 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.
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
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THOUSANDS HEAD FOR BALMORAL
More than 5,000 club and recreational runners will rub shoulders with Scotland international athletes at this weekend's Run Balmoral races.
The event, now in its 26th year, gets underway on Saturday with the MPH 1.5km (separate races for boys and girls), the RAM Tubulars secondary schools 2.5km, the Harbour Energy 5km and the Stena Drilling 10km.
Sunday features the Bilfinger 6-mile trail race and the Bristow 15-mile race. There's also the epic John Clark Motor Group Devil of Deeside Challenge for those daring to tackle all four adult races over the course of the weekend.
Run Balmoral chair James Knowles is anticipating an exciting occasion. He said: "It should be another superb weekend. I am delighted so many people will be running, but there will be thousands of others who come along to spectate and support family members and friends taking part. It all creates a wonderful atmosphere.
Mr. Knowles emphasised that the event offers more than just the races: “We also have the Albyn Hospital Event Village which provides a range of quality catering outlets and a number of fun activities for youngsters, including an adventure tunnel, climbing wall and cycling courses.
“Run Balmoral is one of Northeast Scotland’s biggest participation sporting and community events, which engages with local people in so many positive ways. It also raises tens of thousands of pounds for local charities and this year we have been working closely with VSA, Kayleigh’s Wee Stars, University of Aberdeen Development Trust, Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance, CLAN, Poppy Scotland and Miscarriage Support.”
Finishers in all the races will receive the fifth in a series of specially designed medals featuring well-known landmarks in and around the estate. Previous medals have shown Lochnagar, Balmoral Castle, Albert’s Cairn, and Crathie Kirk. This year’s medal showcases the Auld Brig O’ Dee. Devil of Deeside participants receive an additional special ‘Devil’ medal. ... See MoreSee Less
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Hi everyone, we have had a few enquiries regarding race packs and delivery. They should either have been delivered, or are being delivered, in the next few days. If they don't arrive, no problem, come to registration on the day and we will access your registration and issue you with a new race pack.
Most of the team are now at Balmoral setting up and have limited access to internet, so may take a little longer than usual to answer queries. ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Thanks for the update, not got mine yet! Roll on Saturday 🙌
Thanks for the message. I got mine a week ago but still no sign of my daughters for the girls race so was beginning to wonder 🏃♀️
GET INTO THE BEST SHAPE FOR RUN BALMORAL & ENJOY A RELAXING RECOVERY AFTERWARDS
Don't forget to get your Pre and Post Run treatments and Kinesio Taping at the massage tent this year! Tent is located behind the hospitality tent, look out for the attached sign!
As it can be difficult to get a wifi connection on the day, it is advisable to bring cash with you or alternatively, you can prepay using the following links;
Pre/Post Event Massage - https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/XCUK2E5JUQ
Devil of Deeside Triple Treatment - https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QBN2UMLI ... See MoreSee Less
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THANK YOU FOR YOUR AMAZING SUPPORT!
We have over 5000 runners signed up for Run Balmoral 2025!!
Entries have now CLOSED, but there's still lots of work to do as we are getting ready to welcome you to the Balmoral Estate next weekend.
It promises to be two days of awesome action.
See you all soon.
#devilofdeeside
#runbalmoral2025
#scotlandrunning #beautifulruns
#trailrunning
#RoadRunning
#runscotland #runningcommunity #bestrun
#runbalmoral ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Hi! Is it possible to do a last minute entry for the 15 mile run on sunday?
NOT MUCH LONGER
THE FINISH LINE IS IN SIGHT
Run Balmoral 2025 entries close for all races at midnight Saturday 19 April.
This is your last chance to sign up for the MPH primary schools 1.5k, the RAM Tubulars Secondary Schools 2.5k, the Stena Drilling 10k, the Bilfinger 6 mile trail race, Bristow 15 mile trail race and the John Clark Motor Group Devil of Deeside Challenge.
The Harbour Energy 5k is already closed. ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
IT'S THE FINAL DEADLINE!
You have until midnight on Saturday 19 April to enter Run Balmoral 2025!
You will,however, have to collect your number on race day as there is insufficient time to process and mail your bib beforehand.
Entries for the Harbour Energy 5k have closed, but there's still some capacity in all the other events, including the John Clark Motor Group Devil of Deeside Challenge.
So be quick.
Sign up now on www.runbalmoral.com ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Is the 15 miler good? 🏃🏿♂️
Nicole Milne 👀
Cara Esslemont
Sarah Clark
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
#runbalmoral ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
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 🤣🤣🤣