After an ‘unscheduled break in 2020 due to a certain global pandemic’, Huntly’s ‘Room to Run’ festival is back in the North East’s running calendar.

In what will be seen as a vote of confidence in the country's proposed journey out of sporting lockdown, by "closely following Scottish and UK Government timetables for the opening up of restrictions by June/July", organisers have chosen Saturday, 4 September for the next edition of the popular Aberdeenshire running festival, and promise it will be their ‘biggest and best’ ever.

Entries are now open for all of the festival’s races – the 5K, the mixed-terrain 10K and Half Marathon, and children’s runs. With all 2020 entries automatically rolled over to the 2021 edition of the event, organisers expect the remaining places to sell out quickly. No entries will be taken on the day, nor will waiting lists be in operation.

All races start and finish in Huntly’s historic town square, pass under the iconic archway of the Simpson Building, follow the beautiful tree-lined avenue past Huntly Castle and cross the Deveron River. From there, the Half Marathon and 10K branch off into the Bin Forest for some off-road action, while the 5K returns along the Jubilee footpath back to the town.

As in earlier years, Room to Run 2021 will take place during the weekend of the Huntly Hairst, a huge celebration of the food and farming heritage of the local area. Runners will be able to carb-load or recharge post-race at one of the dozens of artisan craft and food stands expected to fill the town centre. 

The last Room to Run was held in 2019, attracting around 1000 runners and more than 3000 spectators. 

Room to Run is coordinated by Huntly Sports Hub, an initiative of Huntly & District Development Trust in partnership with Networks of Wellbeing and Huntly Rinnin Quines and Loons. All proceeds raised by the festival go towards supporting and promoting sports, health and wellbeing activities in the AB54 area.

Image courtesy: Room To Run Huntly