Ciss Outdoors

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Feature photo for this blog post purchased from www.marathon-photos.com

This past weekend, I headed back to the Bristow 15 Mile Trail Race at Run Balmoral for the second year in a row. It was every bit as breathtaking and tough as I remembered, tougher maybe! Set in the heart of the Balmoral Estate in the Cairngorms National Park, this race is a real highlight of the weekend for me and many other runners.

A Quarter-Century of Excellence

Run Balmoral celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2024. First held in 1998, it has grown into a two-day festival catering to different ages and abilities. Events range from kids’ fun runs to the serious test of the Devil o’ Deeside challenge. It’s a highlight in my running calendar and I know loved by many other runners in North East Scotland.

The John Clark Motor Group Devil o’ Deeside event stacks up four races across the weekend. Competitors complete the Harbour Energy 5K, Stena Drilling 10K, Bilfinger 6 Mile Trail Race, and the Bristow 15 Mile Trail Race. Chip times from each race are added together to crown the winners.

The Course: Beauty with a Bite

The 15-mile route is a perfect snapshot of Highland trail running. It kicks off with views of Balmoral Castle before heading west alongside the River Dee, then climbs steadily into the Ballochbuie pine forest. Around mile 8, you hit a climb towards the base of Lochnagar. The views are a real reward here and help take your mind off the effort.

There is an exposed open moorland section which can prove very challenging in poor weather. Come prepared with layers if there’s wind or rain forecast, there is no shelter for miles!

The final section brings you downhill back towards the castle. Just when you think the hard work is done, there is a sting in the tail with a short, sharp climb around mile 14. There’s then a final steep descent on a forest path to rejoin the road just before the finish line. If your knees are anything like mine, be mindful of this and take your time.

The race FAQs state the course has around 120 m of ascent, but my Garmin logged 339 m this year and 335 m in 2024, so bear this in mind!

Terrain and Support

The route mainly follows Land Rover tracks, with a few short hill path sections in the middle and near the end. It is a good mix that keeps things interesting without being too technical. The tracks have loose gravel in places, which makes heading uphill slightly more work.

There are two water stops at Connachat House. You pass here once at 3.5 miles and again at 7 miles. I’d recommend carrying your own water too. I really appreciate having my hydration bladder during the ascent sections and the tail end of the race.

Marshals are positioned at every junction to keep you right, and at a few spots along the exposed section. Course marking is clear and prominent, with mile markers helping you track your progress.

Logistics: Smooth from Start to Finish

Being held a weekend, the castle area is understandably busy, but parking is easy and stress-free. Competitors receive a parking pass for dedicated, marshalled event car parks. You do not have to fight against tourists for a parking spot in the standard car parks. There are clear instructions in the race info about how to reach the parking and it is really well signposted.

There are loads of toilets near the start/finish area and a few in the car parks. Big changing tents are also positioned near the start/finish area at the event village. There’s a small selection of food vendors in the event village too, if you need a pre-race coffee or a post-race burger. These amenities make a big difference. I’ve never had to queue long for anything at Run Balmoral, which is rare at running events. No showers, but otherwise the setup is pretty faultless.

Medal Series: A Collectible Journey

Between 2020 – 2025, Run Balmoral’s medals have featured landmarks from the estate. I have the 2024 medal featuring Crathie Kirk, and the 2025 medal celebrating the Auld Brig o’ Dee. Previous years included Lochnagar, Prince Albert’s Cairn, and Balmoral Castle. The next medal series features different wildlife found at Balmoral, starting in 2026.

Why I’ll Keep Coming Back

Returning to Balmoral this year reminded me exactly why I love this race. The combination of challenging trails, stunning views, and excellent organisation makes it stand out. The atmosphere is welcoming but still competitive enough to spur you on, and the support from fellow runners and marshals really does lift you when it gets tough.

Oh, and one last reason why I’m sure I’ll be back. The 15-mile trail race starts at 1 pm. Not having to get up at the crack of dawn like I do for a lot of other running events is a treat, especially on a Sunday.

Thinking about signing up for Run Balmoral 2026? Feel free to pop a comment below if you’ve got any questions about the 15 Mile Trail Race. I’m always happy to chat about all things trail running. Hope to see you at the start line next year!

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