Fundraising

Run Balmoral 2026

Run for VSA and help raise vital funds for our services

Love running? Love a Challenge? then you will love Run Balmoral!

Run in aid of VSA at Run Balmoral! Charity spaces are now available for the 2026 event, taking place on the weekend of Saturday April 4th and Sunday April 5th.

There is a small entry fee to cover the cost of your place and all we ask is that you commit to fundraising a minimum amount of £150 - Our team will be on hand to support you with your fundraising.

Here are some useful details for those who are taking part…

Some useful details for those have registered to run in aid of VSA (Updated 27/02/26):

Our team have been contacting all those who have so far registered to take part, this is to ensure all the details you provided are correct and of course answer any questions that you may have - your VSA pack will be posted to you in the coming weeks.
Your fundraising will be a huge support to VSA's services throughout our communities. You will have received a link to your unique fundraising page upon registration. If have not received this or cannot access your page, simply follow our guide here.

The bib number itself will be posted directly from the Run Balmoral organisers approx 2-3 weeks before the event, don't forget to keep this safe and bring it with you on the big day! If your bib number has not arrived by Monday March 30th, please contact our team at fundraising@vsa.org.uk and we will make arrangements with the event organisers to resolve. (Please note our team will be unavailable from 4pm Thursday April 2nd in order to prepare for the event).
It is well known that the road to Balmoral will be very busy on the day of the event - please give yourself PLENTY OF TIME to travel there! The last thing you want to do is arrive late and miss the start of the race after all the hard work and training.
Our team will be there from first thing in the morning to assist in any way they can. Please visit us and say hi! This year, we are pleased to confirm that two VSA running team photographs will be taken at the VSA tent within the event village - the 5k runners at 11:45am, and the 10k runners at 1:45pm. Please come along and be part of these photographs which are set to be a great keepsake of a memorable day!

About the events...

Harbour Energy 5K

Saturday April 4th, 12:30

The Harbour Energy 5K all takes place on estate tarmac roads. The race begins heading west from the Castle adjacent the River Dee to a turn point at the Highland Pony Stud. There is a slight incline as the route returns to the castle via the “top road” which has magnificent views of Balmoral Castle and Gardens.

Stena Drilling 10K

Saturday April 4th, 14:00

The Stena Drilling 10K takes you through some beautiful Highland scenery on the Balmoral Estate and will be clearly marked and well marshalled. The early part of the course is relatively fast on smooth tarmac, however from approximately 3.5K the course rises quite steeply up through the woods of Garmaddie for approximately 1.2K!

6 Mile Trail Race

Sunday April 5th, email fundraising@vsa.org.uk for details

This exciting new event is held over a testing two-lap course which takes you along the banks of the River Dee before turning uphill. For 2 miles on each lap you will climb 350 metres before descending for a fast mile back to the start. It’s a mix of tarmac, track and grass, making this is a true all-terrain event!

Fundraise in aid of VSA!

When you register for a VSA charity space, you will receive a fundraising page

Your unique VSA fundraising page is the easiest way to help us raise vital funds and enable us to continue to support vulnerable people throughout our communities. Share your fundraising page with friends, colleagues and family to ensure that you receive donations leading up to and on the big day itself!

If you have registered and have not received a fundraising page or cannot find it, don't worry - our team are here to help. Simply follow this step by step guideto access your page or contact us at fundraising@vsa.org.uk for support.

How to access your Run Balmoral fundraising page