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Trail Running Calendar near Ballater 2026-2027

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Explore the top trail runs near Ballater for 2026-2027! We've gathered 16 exciting trail runs in the area. Check out our detailed list below to find your next local trail run.

August 2026
A hill race at the Ballater Highland Games with a marked route to the summit, village sections, and ongoing bonuses for new course records.
A community running festival in Alford offering age-graded fun runs, a parent-child relay, a 5 km trail and a certified 10 km road race. Profits will help fund permanent floodlighting at the Grampian Transport Museum.
A three-day outdoor endurance festival in Banchory with a four-stage 120 km gravel race, runs from 5km to marathon, a Charity Night Hike and a festival village.
September 2026
A hill race on 11 September 2026 around Bennachie Visitor Centre, roughly 10km with 377m of ascent and prizes for the top three men and women.
A running festival at Crathes Castle on 12 September 2026 featuring a Half Marathon, 5 km and 1.5 km kids race, organised by the National Trust for Scotland.
A 10 km obstacle course near Banchory on 12 September 2026 featuring hill climbs, water obstacles, mud and island crossings; charity entry codes are available.
Tom's Cairn Trail Races is a community organised fundraiser in Finzean on 20 September 2026 featuring trail races across estate woods and the cairn. The event includes local refreshments, a piper and live music.
A classic off road hill race on Bennachie covering about 8.2 miles with 1600 ft of ascent, passing several famous tops. The 36th running on 20 September 2026 is chip timed, limited to 160 places and organised by Garioch Roadrunners.
An 11 km hill race near Monymusk on 26 September 2026 with 430 m of climb and pre-entry only registration; listed 2024 fees are shown and parking is at Monymusk Village Hall.
October 2026
Marked hill races from Groddie near Dinnet with full, half and junior courses on Morven, required safety kit and junior entry restrictions.
A 50k mostly off-road ultramarathon on Bennachie with over 5000 ft of ascent, visiting multiple peaks and starting and finishing at the Bennachie Visitor Centre. Pre-entry only with 150 places and a 4 hour cut-off at about 19 miles.
A Speyside running event offering marathon, half-marathon, 10 km and a four person relay along the Speyside Way, with distilleries on the route and whisky miniatures available at the finish.
November 2026
A 50 km trail ultramarathon from Grantown-on-Spey to Forres that follows the old Highland Railway line, reaches Dava summit, and passes woodland, moorland and historic sites.
May 2027
A measured 15 mile trail on Balmoral Estate with river and forest sections, 120 metres ascent, two water stations and a finisher's medal on 2 May 2027.
A muddy off-road running challenge in Aberdeen on 16 May 2027 with 5 km and 10 km options for adults and supervised teenagers. Entries include a technical T shirt and finishers medal, with free parking and photos.
June 2027
A midsummer ultra trail at Knockburn Loch in Royal Deeside where runners complete laps on a multi terrain loop beside Kerloch Hill and Fetteresso Forest. Races run as 6 hour, 12 hour or 24 hour events with solo and relay team options.
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