Less than 500 places left in SimpyHealth Great Aberdeen Run 10K distance

27 June 2017

Entries for the inaugural Simplyhealth Great Aberdeen Run on Sunday 27th August are being snapped up rapidly, with less than 500 places remaining in the 10k distance.

This exciting new event, which is the most northerly fixture in the Great Run series, also features a half marathon and a one mile family run.

Thousands of runners have already signed up to enjoy the fantastic carnival atmosphere expected to be generated by large and enthusiastic crowds, who will cheer on the participants as they make their way through the historic streets and distinctive neighbourhoods of the city.

All the runs will start and finish on Union Street in the heart of the city centre and the routes take in many of Aberdeen’s cultural landmarks and iconic buildings such as the Castlegate, Beach Ballroom, Pittodrie Stadium, Brig O’Balgownie, King’s College, Marischal College, Art Gallery, HM Theatre and the Music Hall.

A bustling event village is to be set up in Union Terrace Gardens where runners can meet up with family and friends afterwards.

Local celebrities will be taking part including former Scotland football star Ian Wilson, while two of the city’s Scottish international distance runners, Broc Drury and Fiona Brian, are also hoping to test themselves in one or other of the races.

Active members of the business community will be out in force with teams taking part in what is sure to be a competitive business challenge competition within each of the adult races.

The 10k has attracted runners from Austria, Canada, Norway and the United States while the half marathon is shaping up to be equally cosmopolitan, featuring entrants from Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, South Africa and Singapore.

The Simplyhealth Great Aberdeen Run is being brought to the city by the organisers of the Simplyhealth Great North Run, the world's biggest half marathon, held every year between Newcastle and South Shields. The event is being delivered in partnership with Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, VisitAberdeenshire, and Aberdeen Inspired. It is being supported by the Aberdeen City Centre Masterplan.

Aberdeen City Council Culture spokesperson, Marie Boulton said: “The Simplyhealth Great Aberdeen Run will be an exciting, family event that is already attracting thousands of visitors to the city. It is incredible to see sign-ups from around the globe.

“The routes being used for the races will not disappoint both visitors and locals, as it has been designed to showcase many of Aberdeen’s wonderful landmarks and will highlight the Granite City in all its splendour.

“Aberdeen is undergoing great transformation right now, with significant development linked to our City Centre Masterplan, and those physical changes are central to our ambitions for the future. Providing events that bring these spaces to life is vitally important and The Great Aberdeen Run is a wonderful example of that in action.”

Eric Wilkins, project director of the Simplyhealth Great Aberdeen Run, said: “We are very excited about bringing Great Run to Aberdeen for the first time.

“The Simplyhealth Great Aberdeen Run is being held over the same weekend as the Celebrate Aberdeen parade, so the city is going to be buzzing with activity. It will be a real family occasion, and is the perfect opportunity to make a weekend of it in the Granite City.

“We are delighted with the level of interest being shown in the event and I’d urge anyone interested in taking part to enter as soon as possible to avoid missing out, as entries are filling up rapidly.”

To sign up for the Simplyhealth Great Aberdeen Run visit greatrun.org/Aberdeen