Simplyhealth Great Aberdeen Run to Return in 2019

21 November 2018

The Simplyhealth Great Aberdeen Run will return on Sunday 25th August 2019 and entries are now open.

The 10k, Family Run and Aberdeen’s only city centre half marathon will be staged for a third year this summer, with 5,000 people expected to pound the pavements of the Granite City for fun, fitness and fundraising.

To celebrate the launch of the event, a 15% discount is being offered to the first 500 entrants of both the 10k and half marathon distances.

The traffic-free routes will start and finish on Union Street and take in the modern and historic areas of the city including Castlegate, Beach Ballroom and Brig O’Balgownie. The half marathon also includes a section through Seaton Park before heading past St Machar’s Cathedral and along the cobbled streets of Old Aberdeen.

Eric Wilkins, from The Great Run Company said: “This summer people of all running abilities travelled from across the UK and 15 other nations including Australia, Kazakhstan and the United States to take part in the Simplyhealth Great Aberdeen Run.

“The event transformed the city into a celebration as thousands of spectators lined the course in support and an estimated £400,000 was raised for charity.”

Commonwealth Games marathon bronze medallist Robbie Simpson and his girlfriend Virginie Barrand both took the 10k titles in the men’s and women’s races at this year’s event.

Simpson, 26, from Banchory, said: “The Simplyhealth Great Aberdeen Run is a fantastic event and the atmosphere was superb with good support around the course and big crowds lining Union Street to cheer everyone on.”

The Simplyhealth Great Aberdeen Run is from the organisers of the Simplyhealth Great North Run, the world's biggest half marathon, held every year between Newcastle and South Shields.

It is delivered in partnership with Aberdeen City Council, VisitAberdeenshire, Aberdeen Inspired, Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce and is supported by the Aberdeen City Centre Masterplan.

CEO of Simplyhealth, Romana Abdin, commented: “We’re looking forward to being back in Aberdeen for the Simplyhealth Great Aberdeen Run. Having the 10k, half marathon and family run on the same day makes this a unique event and once again we’ll be supporting runners every step of the way. Sign up for your place now and you’ll have a great goal to keep you active in 2019, plus you’ll get all the training advice and support you need via our dedicated Train & Prepare section on the Great Run website. We’ll see you there!”

Councillor Marie Boulton, from Aberdeen City Council, said: “We are delighted that the Simplyhealth Great Aberdeen Run is set to return to Aberdeen for its third year and look forward to seeing competitors back in the city on Sunday 25 August.

“The past two events have been spectacular, with people lining the streets to support the runners. The event showcases Aberdeen and its growing reputation as a host for high profile cultural and sporting attractions, helping to underline our role as a global city and a must-visit destination.

“Aberdeen City Council is working closely with local and national partners to raise the city’s profile through our Aberdeen 365 Programme and ambitious City Centre Masterplan projects. Significant investment in infrastructure as well as the leisure and culture offering is being made as the regional economy continues to diversify through support for the tourism sector. The Simplyhealth Great Aberdeen Run is an important event which is strengthening Aberdeen’s standing as a dynamic, welcoming city waiting to be explored.”

Chris Foy, chief executive of VisitAberdeenshire, said: "Once again we invite runners from across the UK to bring their personal best to the streets of Aberdeen. We also invite them to bring their friends and family along to enjoy a late summer weekend in our majestic city between the mountains and the sea.”

Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “We would encourage the public to get out of the blocks and take advantage of the early bird offer for next year’s Simplyhealth Great Aberdeen Run. It is fantastic to have an event of this scale in our wonderful city and showcases exactly what Aberdeen has to offer, for runners, supporters and visitors alike.”

Russell Borthwick, chief executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, said: “This is a tremendous event, offering both locals and visitors alike a unique opportunity to enjoy the fantastic atmosphere and unique landscape our city provides. We are a proud supporter of the event and are throwing down the gauntlet to North-east organisations to get involved in the Business Challenge and help make the 2019 Great Aberdeen Run the biggest and best yet.”

To enter, visit www.greatrun.org/aberdeen