Deveron Harrier's festival of running

Deveron Harriers Festival of Running
Join the Deveron Valley Half Marathon, 10k, 5k, and Kids' Fun Run on Sunday, August 9th, 2026. Nestled along the picturesque River Deveron in Aberdeenshire, this multi-terrain event offers runners a unique blend of scenic beauty and challenging terrain.
Half Marathon:
The half marathon begins at Turriff's Baden Powell Centre with a quiet road run alongside the Number One National Cycle Route. After passing through Castle Eden, you'll enter a woodland trail that features the stunning Bridge of Alvah. The route then winds through historic Duff House grounds, where runners will pass by the Ice House and Mausoleum before finishing at the rugby club's playing fields.
Registration for the half marathon opens at 9am at Duff House Rugby Club Pavillion with toilets available on-site. A bus departs from there to Turriff’s Baden Powell Centre, where race briefings take place around 10:30 am. From here, a short walk leads you to the start line on Baden Powell Road.
- Start Time: 11am
- Finish Line: Duff House Rugby Club
The half marathon is open for runners aged 17 and older. The top three male and female finishers will receive £70, £40, and £25 respectively. Additional category prizes are available for those in the 40+, 50+ and 60+ age groups.
Course Records:
- Xavi Tomasa Serrano (1:13:08) - Men's Half Marathon
- Emma Murray (1:29:33) - Women's Half Marathon
10k Race:
The 10k race starts at Castle Eden, with runners following the same route as the half marathon from this point onward. The course is well-marked and includes a mix of road running through Aberdeenshire countryside before transitioning to trails.
Registration for the 10k opens at Duff House Rugby Club Pavillion at 10am, where toilets are available. A bus departs promptly at 10:50 am from there to Castle Eden, with race briefings taking place shortly after arrival around 11:30 am.
- Start Time: 11:45
- Finish Line: Duff House Rugby Club
The event is open for runners aged 15 and older. The top three male and female finishers will receive £50, £25, and £15 respectively. Additional category prizes are available in the same age categories as the half marathon.
Course Records:
- Joe Folan (36:13) - Men's 10k
- Moira Davie (42:15) - Women's 10k
5K Race:
The trail-based 5k race begins and ends at the Rugby pavilion, offering a looped course through Duff House grounds. This scenic route highlights the historic beauty of Aberdeenshire with its lush woodlands and picturesque views.
Registration for the 5k opens at 11am, and runners will gather at the rugby pavilion before starting their out-and-back journey at 11:30 am.
- Start Time: 11:30
- Finish Line: Duff House Rugby Club
The event is open to all ages but primarily designed for participants aged 11 and up. The top three male and female finishers will receive £30, £20, and £15 respectively.
Course Records:
- Mark Beagrie (18:31) - Men's 5k
- Louise Mckenzie (19:21) - Women's 5k
Junior Fun Run:
The Junior Fun Run is a one-kilometer event designed for younger runners. Held within the safety of Duff House woods and rugby pitches, this race offers an enjoyable introduction to running.
Participants should arrive by 1pm at the designated start area near Duff House Rugby Club Pavillion for pre-race instructions before starting their fun run at 1:30 pm.
Event Highlights:
- Medals: All finishers will receive a medal.
- Water Stations: Regularly placed along all routes, including bonus stations by Warthogs Sports Club.
- Toilets & Parking: Ample facilities are available near the registration and start lines at Duff House Rugby Club Pavillion.
Pre-Race Information:
Online entries close on August 2nd. No refunds will be issued after this date; however, transfers can still be completed until August 6th.
All runners must adhere to race guidelines regarding headphones use during road crossings or as directed by marshals and officials for safety reasons.
The Deveron Harriers Festival of Running is a SAL Permit Race with mile markers clearly marked along each route. With its scenic beauty and well-organized support, this event promises an unforgettable running experience in the heart of Aberdeenshire countryside.