Scotland international Sean Chalmers stole the show at Run Balmoral 2025, setting two course records on a spectacular opening day that saw nearly 5,000 runners descend on the iconic Deeside estate.

Chalmers, representing Aberdeen AAC, stormed to victory in the Harbour Energy 5K in 14:18, shaving two seconds off Jamie Crowe’s 2023 record, before returning to smash Robbie Simpson’s long-standing Stena Drilling 10K record by 23 seconds with a time of 30:54.

Elated by his performances, Chalmers praised the event’s family atmosphere and vowed to return. He said: “Run Balmoral is an amazing event, the atmosphere is unbelievable, with so many folk out and about. There’s a real family feel about it and I’ll definitely be back again.”

Fiona Brian also celebrated a decade since her 10K win by claiming victory in the women’s 5K, while Louise McKenzie delivered a thrilling sprint finish to win the women’s 10K in 38:35, overtaking Metro Aberdeen’s Nicola Macdonald just metres from the line.

In the junior races, records continued to tumble. Albyn School’s Nathan Lawson defended his RAM Tubulars 2.5K title in a new record of 6:55, while Millie Glass Park shattered her own mark in the MPH 1.5K girls’ race by 14 seconds.

Sunday’s action saw emotional victories in the John Clark Motor Group Devil of Deeside Challenge, where competitors tackled four races across the weekend. Debbie Greig, marking 10 years since a life-changing accident, triumphed in the women’s category after winning the six-mile and 15-mile trail races. Aberdeen AAC’s Aaron Odentz, who also won the inaugural Bilfinger six-mile trail race, claimed the men’s Devil title after strong performances across all four events.

East Sutherland’s Ruairidh Gollan took the Bristow 15-mile trail race title in 1:25:44, outpacing Alford Bull RC’s Kyle Greig.

If you'd like to know more, visit the Run Balmoral website.

Image: Sean Chalmers sets the pace in Harbour Energy 5K/Run Balmoral