Harbour Energy 5k

Price £20 (£18 for Scottish Athletics Members)
12:30 on Saturday 26 April 2025

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.

Why not form a team of four for the Stena Drilling / Harbour Energy Corporate Team Challenge?

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Race Route

Entry Includes

A tree planted for each entry
Finisher's medal
Electronic timing
Downloadable finisher's certificate
Free parking
Event Village at the finish
FREE admission to the grounds, gardens and exhibitions at Balmoral

FAQ

How old must I be to compete?

All entrants must be 15 years of age or over on the day of the race

When do entries close?

Entries will close on the 7th of April (the same year as the event) or sooner if the race sells out.

What is included in the entry fee?

A tree planted for each entry
Finisher’s medal
Electronic timing
Downloadable finisher’s certificate

Free parking
Event Village at the finish
FREE admission to the grounds, gardens and exhibitions at Balmoral

Can I make changes to my entry?

You can edit your entry via the ‘My Entry’ tab at the top of the website home page. You can edit all your registration details but you are not able to swap races.

Is it possible to enter on race weekend?

No, there are no ‘on the day’ entries.

How do I know that my online entry worked?

You will have been sent a confirmation e-mail. Please check your spam folder if this does not appear in your inbox with a few hours.

Are there cut off times for the event?

For runners safety and for the logistic of the event please note the following:
The races are running races, not walking events.

It is expected that runners will finish within a reasonable time for each race to allow for the next race to take place and for us to gather in marshals from exposed locations.

5K – maximum finish time 1 hour
10K – Maximum finish time 2 hours
6 Mile – Maximum finish time 2 hours
15 Mile – Maximum finish time 3.5 hours there will be no early starts

Please note these times are given as a guide only and it may on the day be necessary to clear the course earlier than expected.

Marshals will do their utmost to allow an athlete to complete the race as long as it is safe for the individual to continue. However it must be noted that past the maximum times above if it is still possible to allow an athlete to continue, marshals will be removed from the course for their own safely / comfort and the athlete will be continuing in the full knowledge that this is the case. The athlete accepts this responsibility as part of the main terms and conditions signed up to on entering the event.

Is it possible to transfer my place to another race?

No, transfers are not possible.

I don’t want to enter online; can I pay for my entry over the phone or by cheque?

You can enter by telephone by calling 01339742555 with your debit/ credit card details.

When will I receive my race number etc?

You should receive your race pack approximately 1-2 weeks prior to the race date. The pack will contain your race number which has your timing chip attached, an instruction sheet and 4 safety pins.

I live overseas and will already be in the UK / Scotland when you send out 5K race packs?

All overseas race packs will be available for collection at the information tent on the day of the race.

When does registration take place?

You do not need to register on the day for the 5K, you will have everything you need in your race pack.

How do I get to the 5K Start?

Please allow at least 20 minutes to walk from the far car parks to the start line. You should arrive as early as possible and at least one hour prior to the start of your race.

What’s the 5K course like?

Smooth Tarmac all the way within the Balmoral Estate. Glorious views of the Castle and gardens with a slight incline at the half way point.

How many drink stations are there on the 5K route?

There are no water stops on the 5K route. More information

Are there distance markers on the course?

Yes at every km.

Are there toilets on the course?

No. There are plenty of toilets in the event Village at the start and finish of the 5K.

Are there showers and changing facilities?

There are Male and Female changing tents but no showers.

Is massage available?

Yes massage will be available adjacent to the information tent.

Has the 5K route been measured accurately?

Yes, the course has a Scottish Athletics Certificate of accuracy

Can I run wearing headphones?

No
Please note that wearing headphones is NOT permitted in any of the races under Scottish and UK Athletics rules.
We DO allow the use of headphones that use bone conductor technology, which allow the wearer to be aware of their surroundings. However, this is at your own risk and if an incident occurs as a result of, or made worse by, you wearing these headphones you may be held liable.

Can I be supported by bike along the route?

No, this is not safe for other runners.

Are buggies and pushchairs allowed in the 10K?

No, this is not safe for other runners.

Can I run in fancy dress?

Yes, as long as your fancy dress does not impede the process of or cause danger to other runners. The organisers decision is final on this and if you are in any doubt you should consult the organisers in advance. info@runbalmoral.com

What is the Stena Driiling Harbour Energy Corporate Team Challenge?

Your team must enter at least four runners in the Harbour Energy 5k and the Stena Drilling 10k, i.e, you must have at least four people entered in each race.

The same runners can compete in both the 5k and the 10k if they so wish (and if they feel up to it!).

The first four runners from each team to finish each race will count towards the Team Challenge.

The finishing position of each of the four runners in each race will be added together to give an overall score. The team with the lowest total combined from the two races will win the Trophy.

Teams can be all male, all female or a combination of both.

How do I enter a team in the Corporate Challenge?

When you enter as a team, enter your team name on the entry form where it asks for “Team Name”
Great care must be taken in entering your team name. Each team member must enter using the exact same team name, written in the same way. For example: Stena Drilling Hotshots; Stena Hotshots; STENA DRILLING HOTSHOTS would be picked up by the computer as three different teams. Make sure you are consistent!
Make sure you have 4 runners entered for the 10k and 4 runners entered for the 5k to qualify as a team for the Corporate Team Challenge.

Where can I park?

FREE field parking will be well signed on the day. The earlier you arrive the closer to the start line you will be! You should arrive no later than an hour prior to your race start time and earlier is better!
There is at least a 20 minute walk to the start line from the car parks.

Can I get a photograph of myself running the race?

Yes! Please see the photos section of the web site for details of how to purchase your images form the day via our partners Marathon Photography.

Are dogs allowed?

On the event field on a lead, yes. Taking part in any race, no.