Hillsborough Castle & Gardens Running Festival

Royal Hillsborough, United Kingdom • 26 Jul 2026

Event overview

The Hillsborough Castle and Gardens Running Festival is scheduled for Sunday, 26 July 2026 at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, 349 Hillsborough Rd, Hillsborough BT26 6GT, UK. The event is presented by Gateley and organised by RunThrough Events. It supports Northern Ireland Hospice.

Distances

  • 10K
  • Half marathon

Course and logistics

Both races start and finish within the grounds of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens and use traffic-free paths. The course passes local sights including Hillsborough Lake, Hillsborough Fort and surrounding forest areas, and includes sections on Ballynahinch Road. The route is described as multi-terrain and each mile is marked with distance flags. Pacers and marshals will be present to guide participants. There is a strict three hour cut-off for the half marathon due to road closures.

Entries and what is included

Reported entry fees range from £36 to £80; specific listed prices are £36 for the 10K, £40 for the half marathon, and a RunThrough Foundation Place entry at £80. Group bookings are available for six people for any distance at £170. Entries include a themed medal, free race photos, chip-timed results and post-race goodies. An event village with food and drink options is provided. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

Half Marathon
Half Marathon
10 km
10k
5 km
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

Join Annadale Striders for the Malcolm Cup XC at Ormeau Park, Belfast on 1 February 2026, a lively cross country meeting with races for youth and seniors up to four miles. Enjoy competitive racing, team and individual prizes, and enter via..

Run Forest Run at Antrim Castle Gardens offers scenic 5K and 10K routes through the gardens past Shanes Castle with views over Lough Neagh. Enjoy a medal, chip timing and a friendly forest race vibe for adults and juniors.

Join the final Run Forest Run Winter Series at Castlewellan Forest Park on Saturday 28 February 2026 for scenic off road 5K and 10K races around the lakeside castle. Enjoy chip timing, a finisher medal and stunning Mourne Mountain views.

Join the Ulster Championship at Slieve Gullion, County Armagh on 7 March 2026 for a testing 6.3 km mountain run with 320 m climb, organised by NIMRA. Expect rugged terrain and mandatory Level B safety kit.