About Huntly Room to Run
WE'RE BACK - for 2024 and planning the best ever Room to Run. We've probably one of the tougest trail Half Marathon courses in NE Scotland alongside our infamous 10k. With the scenic 5k route and our amazing kids age group races there's something for everyone.
All races start in Huntly's historic town square, go through the arch of the Simpson Building, follow the beautiful tree lined avenue past the ancient Huntly Castle, remarkable for its splendid architecture.
All routes then cross the Deveron River and up the long picturesque drive up to the Castle Hotel, thereafter continuing along Marquis Drive.
At the end of Marquis Drive, the Half Marathon and 10k races continue up and around the wonderful and beautiful Bin Forest with the 5k returning along the Jubilee footpath towards the town.
The Half Marathon and the 10k courses are a mixture of road and forest trail, taking participants into the beautiful countryside that surrounds this historic market town.
All races finish back in the town square where participants will be welcomed over the finish line by a large crowd of cheering families, friends, and supporters.
Before and after the races, there's over 60 local artisan craft and food stands to celebrate the food and farming heritage of the area as part of the Huntly Hairst Festival.
Come along and make a day of it on the 2nd September in Huntly, lots of races and activities for all the family.
Room to Run is an event coordinated by Huntly Sports Trust in partnership with Networks of Wellbeing and Huntly Rinnin Quines and Loons.
All proceeds raised go towards supporting and promoting sports, health and wellbeing activities in the AB54 area through Huntly Sports Trust and Networks for Wellbeing. Both registered Scottish Charities SC025765 & SCO21861.
Event Registration
This event has SOLD OUT every year since it started, therefore, please, please register in plenty time. There will be no entry on the day nor do we hold a waiting list.
All runners should register online and collect their timing chip, race t-shirt and entry numbers from The Gordon Schools on the morning of the event. Please allow plenty time before the start of the races to collect your entry details.
Further information such as detailed routes, water, and first aid points will all be available for review.
Toilets and changing facilities are also available within the School and there is a public toilet just before the starting line.
Event Catering & Activities
The fabulous Huntly Hairst and farmers' market will also be running throughout the day. Within the town square (at the finish line) there will be lots of stalls providing local crafts, foods, catering, and activities.
The Start
All races will start beside the War Memorial on Castle Street, Huntly. Make sure you're there nice and early to ensure you don't miss the start. Warm up sessions will be provided close to the starting line.
Course Marshals
Volunteers from a variety of service groups as well as private individuals will be acting as marshals on race day.
Please follow their instructions as well as any posted signs.
If you have the opportunity, please thank the marshals for their efforts – there would be no Room to Run without them.
If you don't plan on running this year, but would still like to be part of Room to Run, please consider becoming a marshal. Drop us a line at info@roomtorun.co.uk.
Parking
Please note that due to the races and the Huntly Hairst, road entry to Huntly Square will be limited due to road closures, however, there is plenty of free parking at the Gordon Schools on West Park Street and also the East Park Street Car Park. A park and ride scheme is currently being investigated - details to follow.
Please allow extra time before the start of the race and follow the detours.
The Finish
All races will finish under the gantry on Deveron Street.
The Half, 10k and 5k races will be chipped timed, timing chips will be issued tags will be issued at registration.
After crossing the finish line, exit the funnel to receive your goodie bag and medal. You can then exit the finish area, rejoin your family and friends and celebrate your achievement in the heart of the Huntly Hairst!
Medical Support
First aiders will be available at the start area and also at the finish line as well as marked stages around the course. They will be able to respond to any incidents during the event.
There is also a First Aid room at the start at the Gordon Schools.
If you are not feeling fully fit on the day of the race, please do not run. There'll always be next year!
If you feel unwell during the race, please inform the closest available marshal. He or she will inform our medical support team so that they can assist appropriately.
Spectators
You don’t need to have a number pinned to your chest to take part in Room to Run!
If you’re not running this year, please come out to cheer on your friends, family and neighbours.
There are lots of places to watch the action, but please bear in mind any road closures that may affect your travel. Check out the map to pick your best advantage point.
Extremes of Weather
Please ensure you are properly hydrated and come prepared for the extremes of weather.
Our Scottish climate can be unpredictable It may be very warm and sunny, requiring sun cream or conversely very cold and wet requiring warm and dry clothing.
If the race needs to be cancelled on the day for any reason, the Race Director's decision will be announced on this website and on the Huntly Sports Hub Facebook by 8 am on Race Day.
RACE COURSES
After a fantastic race in 2023, it's back yet again and boy is it a tough one. Based upon the feedback from those that took part in the inaugural race, we think we've got it just right for those that want a real challenge.
Starting in the Town Square, the route shares the start of the 5k and 10k courses. Then we head off up to the Bin Wood where the route follows well prepared forestry roads within the forest.
The route takes in the breath-taking scenery that surround the historic town of Huntly and we've through in a few breath-taking hills (in more ways than one) onto the route for good measure.
This is one of the very few Half Marathon trail courses in the North-East of Scotland and we like to give you a challenge.
Are you tough enough? Do you want to give yourself a good challenge in 2024 then make sure you sign up early.
All finishers get a customised special t-shirt, a finishers medal, chipped timing and a goodie bag from our local sponsors.
Places are limited, once its full - that's it - No waiting lists.
Beautiful route around Huntly and taking in the views of the hills that surround it. the trail section is through a mixture of gravel and mud trails within old woods with lovely flora and fauna.
Look out for buzzards, small birds, butterflies, deer and signs of our infamous and rare jackalopes. The first 1Km of the route is the same as that of the 5Km race, then crossing the B9022 climb up Clean Brae onto the Bin Forest Blue route.
Turn to the left and follow the blue path until it meets with the Red Route and run around the lower edge of the Boddum Hill, doubling back onto the main road track into the Bin.
Rejoin the Blue route at the gates on your right and follow the Blue trail again along the north trail. Climb the last hill and head for the gates, after them turn right and follow the trail then track down to the Y junction again at Clean Brae.
Return to the B9022 and turn to your right rejoining the 5Km route back to the Square along the Jubilee footpath.
Anyone 16 and over can take part in the 10K.
The first 1Km of route follows the same route as the 10Km route through the Simpson arch, down to Huntly Castle and around the River Deveron and Meadows.
Once onto the Portsoy Road, follow the Jubilee footpath back into Huntly then down Deveron Road and Deveron Street into the Square - just follow the noise of the cheering crowds.
Anyone over the age of 12 can run the 5K. Slightly younger athletes can run this one but must have parental consent to do so.
Runners will stream down the beautiful autumnal tree lined avenue before passing the historic Huntly Castle
In 2023, we had the greatest turnout for those children aged 5 to 12 who took part in our Wee Shortie Junior Runs. Over 300 kids took part, this year we aim to have it even bigger.
We're looking for lots of the local schools to get involved and enter teams/classes to make this year's races even bigger and better.
With all routes based in the grounds at Huntly Castle and the Meadows Park, the Wee Shortie Junior Runs make a great and safe introduction to running events for even the youngest children.
Parents are welcome to run alongside very young children.
There will be races for the following categories:
CAT 1 (age 5, 6)
CAT 2 (age 7, 8, 9)
CAT 3 (age 10, 11, 12)
All participants will receive a t-shirt, medal and goodie bag with great gifts from our local sponsors.
Wee Shortie - Junior Runs
Room to Run Partners
Huntly's Room to Run committee is delighted to be working with and supported by a large number of local sponsors and partners.
Without your backing, Room to Run just couldn't happen - many thanks for your support.
Principle Partner
Supporting Partners
Community Partners
Networks of Wellbeing
All proceeds raised go towards supporting and promoting sports, health and wellbeing activites in the AB54 area through Huntly Sports Trust and Networks for Wellbeing. Registered Scottish Charities SC025765 & SCO21861.