Sunday, 30 August 2026
5k Run
The friendliest start line at explorr. Traffic-free tarmac onto smooth gravel, then a riverside finish along the Dee into Banchory. 50m of climbing, all abilities, all ages from 12 up. New to racing or just here for the weekend? This is your distance.
A Great Way To Start
Flat, friendly and properly scenic without trying too hard. Forest tracks, a short stretch of single trail and gravel paths around Scolty Forest, a finish in the Event Village, and the whole festival to roll into afterwards. A real race day, sized for a first-timer.
Start Your explorr Weekend
Step onto the start line and you're part of it. The 5km is open to everyone and delivers atmosphere from the first stride to the finish.
Course & Terrain
Fast, Flat and Riverside
5K
50m
The flattest of the explorr runs, with just 50m of climbing across the whole course. It starts on Dee Street, the first 2.5km on traffic-free tarmac winding along the edge of Scolty Woodland and Blackhall Forest. Then a short, fun bit of single trail drops you onto a flowing gravel path along the River Dee. You hit the Red Bull Flying KM with 1km to go, turn back across the Dee, and it's traffic-free tarmac all the way to the finish in King George V Park. Like all off-road courses, the route runs slightly over the advertised distance, so expect a little more than 5km on the day. Check out the full course map below.
Event information
Everything you need to know before race day. Key details to help you prepare for the 5km Run at explorr.
All runners will receive a timing chip integrated into their bib number. Your official result will be based on net chip time, measured from the moment you cross the start line until you cross the finish line.
Live results, including split times, will be available throughout race day via the official event timing platform.
Results will be published using age group categories, ensuring fair and competitive racing across all levels.
Age groups are calculated based on your age on race day and are split by gender (Male/Open and Female). Categories are as follows:
- U14 (12-13)
- U16 (14-15)
- U18 (16-17)
- U20 (18-19)
- Senior (20–34)
- V35
- V40
- V45
- V50
- V55
- V60
- V65
- V70
- V75
- V80
- 5-year age bands thereafter (as required)
Rankings for each age group will be included in the official results. The winner of every age group category will receive a complimentary entry to the following year’s explorr event.
The 5km Run will start in a mass start wave for the distance.
Start waves may be divided into pens based on the predicted finish time provided during registration. This helps create a smoother and safer start for all runners.
You can update your predicted finish time using the Edit Registration link in your confirmation email.
Starts for all explorr Run events will begin from 10:00, with the final wave expected to start no later than 10:30. Exact start timings will be confirmed closer to the event.
The 5km course will include one feed station positioned along the route.
- Feed Station 1 – 2.9km
This station will provide water, carbohydrate drink mix and bananas to help keep runners fuelled and hydrated.
Full details of nutrition and drink products will be confirmed in the Event Guide ahead of race weekend.
Running with a club or group of friends? Make sure to include your Club or Team Name during registration.
Spot prizes will be awarded for standout team performances, with more details to be announced closer to race day.
Looking for a fresh challenge for your team or business? The explorr Corporate Challenge is a chance for colleagues to take on the 5km (or any other explorr running event) together and be part of an unforgettable race day.
Bring your team to Royal Deeside, compete against other companies and enjoy the festival atmosphere after the finish. For corporate entry packages and group bookings visit www.explorr.co.uk/corporate.
Runners in the 5km event must be at least 12 years of age on race day.
There will be a start line cut-off time of 10:35. Runners who arrive after this time will not be permitted to start the race.
Cut-off times are in place to ensure the safety of participants and allow the event team to manage road closures and race operations effectively.
Please note that cut-off times may be subject to change.
Make race day simpler with our bag drop service.
Leave your bag with the event team before the start and collect it when you return to the Event Village. Whether it is a change of clothes, extra gear or post-run essentials, your bag will be safely waiting for you at the finish.
Your safety is our priority.
Red On Sports delivers events to the highest safety standards and the explorr Run is no exception. A dedicated Event Control team will monitor the race and coordinate medical or emergency support whenever required.
Medical teams will be positioned along the route and at the finish area to ensure runners receive assistance if needed.