More than 5,000 runners of all ages are preparing to take on the 2025 Run Balmoral weekend (26–27 April), a celebration of sport in the stunning grounds of Balmoral Castle.

Now in its 26th year, the two-day festival features a packed schedule of races including the Harbour Energy 5K, Stena Drilling 10K, Bilfinger 6-mile trail race and Bristow 15-mile trail challenge, alongside childrens' races and the epic Devil of Deeside Challenge, which tests competitors with all four adult races across the weekend.

This year’s event promises fierce competition with Scottish international athletes lining up alongside recreational and club runners. Defending titles and chasing course records are the likes of Sean Chalmers, Jenny Bannerman and Logan Duncan, while the ever-popular Devil of Deeside returns with a particularly poignant entrant, Debbie Greig.

A decade after being seriously injured in a cycling accident en route to Balmoral, Greig is returning to tackle all four races in the challenge she’s long had in her sights. She said: "I’m proud that I recovered and went on to become a pro triathlete. Now, returning to Balmoral 10 years on for the Devil of Deeside is a personal milestone I’m excited to take on.”

Run Balmoral Chair James Knowles is thrilled with the continued popularity and growth of the event. “It should be another superb weekend,” he said. “There will be thousands of runners and spectators creating a brilliant atmosphere. The scenery here is world-class and it’s a privilege to run in such surroundings.”

More than just a race event, Run Balmoral is a key community fundraiser, supporting charities such as Claire House, Kayleigh’s Wee Stars, VSA, and Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance. In a unique move towards sustainability, this year the traditional race T-shirts have been swapped for a greener legacy - each participant will have a tree planted in their name along the River Dee, in partnership with the River Dee Trust.

The Albyn Hospital Event Village will offer family-friendly activities, food stalls and entertainment, while medals for all finishers showcase Balmoral’s iconic landmarks - this year, the Auld Brig O’ Dee features in the fifth instalment of the bespoke medal series.

For more information, visit the Run Balmoral website.

Image: Run Balmoral Facebook