Challenge yourself over one of the hardest trail half marathon courses in North East Scotland as Huntly's Room To Run Half returns 7 September and will once again be joined by a 10K, 5K and kids age group races.

Organisers say: We're back for 2024 and planning the best ever Room to Run. We've probably one of the toughest trail Half Marathon courses in NE Scotland alongside our infamous 10K. With the scenic 5K route and our amazing kids age group races there's something for everyone."

All races start in Huntly's historic town square, go through the arch of the Simpson Building, follow the beautiful tree lined avenue past the ancient Huntly Castle, remarkable for its splendid architecture. The Half Marathon and the 10K courses are a mixture of road and forest trail, taking participants into the beautiful countryside that surrounds this historic market town.

Speaking about the notoriously tough half marathon route, organisers say: "The route takes in the breath-taking scenery that surrounds the historic town of Huntly and we've thrown in a few breath-taking hills (in more ways than one) for good measure. This is one of the very few Half Marathon trail courses in the North-East of Scotland and we like to give you a challenge."

The 10K offers a beautiful route around Huntly taking in the views of the hills that surround it. The trail section is through a mixture of gravel and mud trails within old woods with lovely flora and fauna. We're told you need to look out for buzzards, small birds, butterflies, deer and signs of the rare jackalopes!

All races finish back in the town square where participants will be welcomed over the finish line by a large crowd of cheering families, friends, and supporters. Before and after the races, there will be over 60 local artisan craft and food stands to celebrate the food and farming heritage of the area as part of the Huntly Hairst Festival.

This event caters for every member of the family and organisers are keen to get even more kids involved in 2024, they say: "​In 2023, we had the greatest turnout for those children aged 5 to 12 who took part in our Wee Shortie Junior Runs with over 300 kids taking part. This year we aim to have it even bigger so we're looking for lots of the local schools to get involved and enter teams/classes to make this year's races even bigger and better."

With all routes based in the grounds at Huntly Castle and the Meadows Park, the Wee Shortie Junior Runs make a great and safe introduction to running events for even the youngest children.

If you'd like to know more, visit the Huntly Room To Run website.

Image: Huntly Room To Run