Frequently Asked Questions

Will I receive my race number and chip before the event?

All entrants registered for Run Balmoral 08 prior to 16th April will receive a Race Pack by post prior to the event. Race packs will contain the following: Your Race number and pins Your Race Timing Chip and instructions on how and where to attach it An event Programme - one per household where possible

Can my friends and family come to spectate on the day?

Yes, spectators are welcome on the Balmoral Estate on race day.  There is
usually an entry charge to the Balmoral Estate but for runners and
spectators on race day there will be no charge ie free access.  A range of
fringe events are also on offer.

Car parking – free/location/distance from race/disabled parking

The car parking arrangements and the race routes are completely independent of each other. Participants and spectators will be free to come and go from the event whenever they wish. If possible please share your transport with your fellow runners and family to reduce the number of vehicles on the day. Allow plenty of journey time, there is only one main road (A93) leading to Balmoral and delays are inevitable. Please be patient. Aim to get to the Start and Finish line for at least one hour before the advertised start times of your event. There will be plenty to see and do, so make a day of it and get there early All public car parking for traffic approaching from both Ballater and Braemar is located at Balmoral. For early traffic arriving at the event, parking will be available within the estate grounds. Once the car parks are full within the estate itself the parking will revert to the designated parking outside the estate in the fields adjacent to the visitor centre near Crathie Church. Please follow the directional signage, instructions and advice given to you by police and stewards on the day. Once you have parked, signs will direct you towards the start and finish areas (20 minute walk approx) or you could take one of the buses which will be operating a circular route from the white bridge to five roads junction and back via Easter Balmoral from 9.30am except when there are races on. There is designated car parking for disabled badge holders.

Changing/toileting facilities/showers

They are available at the estate’s cafeteria and also adjacent to the finish area. A tent for changing is located near the start/finish area, near the information tent. There are now showering facilities.

Where to register & what time

There is no need to register on the day if you have received your race pack. Ensure that your chip timing device is attached as per the instructions sent and secure your race number with the pins provided to your front. If you have not received your race pack go to the information tent.

I haven’t entered yet. Can I enter on the day

Entries closed on 16th April. Entries will not be taken on the day.

Where can I hand in my Cash for Kids sponsorship money

You can hand in your sponsorship money on the day at the Cash for Kids desk in the information tent. Sponsorship forms can still be downloaded from the run-balmoral.com web site and there will be opportunities to contribute to a bucket collection for the event’s official charity Cash for Kids.

What Fringe entertainments will there be– esp for children

A range of fringe events have been organised – they include army challenges, police demonstrations, dancers, sports activities for children and adults to try as well as a range of catering stands including stovies, burgers, teas, coffees, ice cream and juices. Further details are provided in the programme.

How does chip timing work

A Race Timing Chip is a miniature transponder in a specially designed plastic housing. The device contains a chip in combination with an energizing coil. The Race Timing Chip is worn using the tyvex strip provided in your race pack. It will record your exact time for the course. All race chips must be returned after the race or returned to the administration office prior to race day if unable to compete. A charge of £35 for non-returned chips will be enforced.

When will the prize givings take place

The prize giving for the primary schools, secondary schools and 5k events will take place at 1.10pm outside the sponsors tent. The wheelchair prize giving will follow the wheelchair race. The 10k prize giving will be held at 4.00pm by the sponsors tent

What happens when I finish the race

After running over the mat that will activate your Rae Timing Chip you will arrive in the finishing enclosure where your Timing Chip will be removed and you will receive a goody bag, medal and T-shirt. You can then exit the finish area and rejoin your friends and family.

First aid support

Paramedics from the Scottish Ambulance Service and the St Andrews Ambulance Association will be available opposite the finish funnels. Medical personnel will also be in attendance along the route. Aberdeenshire Sports Medicine Centre personnel will be located by the finish area to treat sports injuries.

What other events are on offer on the day

Please don’t forget to spend some time visiting the Balmoral Exhibition and Estate cafeteria, which will be open all day.

How do I get to Balmoral

Balmoral Estate is approximately 50 miles west of Aberdeen, just off the A93 in scenic Royal Deeside and can be reached from the South on the A93 (Deeside Tourist Route) via Perth and Glenshee.

Will I see the Royals

It is very unlikely that the Royals will be at Balmoral.

Warm up facility

Mass participation warm ups for all runners will be lead by Bev Welo and her team. These will be held 10-15 minutes prior to each race at the start area.

Will there be water stations

Water will be provided on the 10k route only.

Is there an admission charge for spectators

Admission onto Balmoral Estate is free to all runners and spectators on race day.

How do I get the results

The results will be posted at the information tent on the day and posted on the born2run.co.uk and the run-balmoral.com web sites the next day