Sunday, 30 August 2026
Half-Marathon
The explorr Half Marathon takes runners deep into the landscapes of Royal Deeside. Forest tracks, rolling gravel paths and big open views create a rewarding challenge across one of Scotland’s most beautiful running regions.
The Perfect Endurance Test
The Half Marathon course offers a rewarding challenge across the trails and gravel tracks of Royal Deeside. Rolling terrain, forest paths and open landscapes create a route that demands steady pacing and strong legs. It’s a proper endurance run with a lively festival finish waiting in Banchory.
Take On The Half
Push your limits and run one of Scotland’s most scenic half marathons. With strong race support and a festival finish, this is a race worth travelling for.
Course & Terrain
A True Deeside Challenge
The Half Marathon is a demanding but rewarding route through the forests of Royal Deeside, with 367 metres of elevation across the course. After crossing the River Dee out of Banchory, the opening 4.5km climbs steadily, gaining around 150m before easing onto rolling forest tracks. A final major climb near the 8km mark adds another 50m before the route flows through deep woodland gravel tracks towards the river. From 15km, a beautiful riverside path follows the Dee past quiet fishing beats, guiding runners back to the finish in Banchory. The full course map will be published soon.
Event information
Everything you need to know before race day. Key details to help you prepare for the Half-Marathon 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:
- 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 Half-Marathon 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 10km course will include three feed stations positioned along the route.
- Feed Station 1 – 4.5km
- Feed Station 2 – 10km
- Feed Station 3 – 14km
- Feed Station 4 – 18km
- Feed Station 5 – 19.5km
Each 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 Half-Marathon (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, contact info@explorr.co.uk.
Runners in the Half-Marathon event must be at least 16 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.