Run Balmoral added 4 new photos.

1 week ago

Coming soon: Our fab RunBalmoral video with Commonwealth Games marathon bronze medallist Robbie Simpson.
Great fun filming today with some of our charity mascots.
Many thanks to Colin Wight of Braemar TV.

** REMEMBER Follow us on Instagram @runbalmoral and remember to tag us in your running pics #happytraining #notlongtogo #enternow ... See MoreSee Less

Run Balmoral added 4 new photos.

1 month ago

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) ... See MoreSee Less

Run Balmoral added 2 new photos.

3 months ago

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 ... See MoreSee Less

Run Balmoral added 5 new photos.

3 months ago

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.” ... See MoreSee Less

Run Balmoral added 6 new photos.

4 months ago

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. ... See MoreSee Less