24 April 2018

Schools shine in Run Balmoral 2018

Possible athletics stars of the future could be among those who took part in this year’s Run Balmoral 2018. The charity event also featured pupils from Aberdeenshire schools.

Marathon runner Robbie Simpson, who is among the athletes that represented Team Scotland at the Commonwealth Games in Australia, has been a regular competitor at Run Balmoral. Among the races are: the Mackintosh Plant Hire schools primary race and the FOS Group secondary schools 2.5k race.

Aberdeenshire Council’s Active Schools team has sponsored a competition fostering friendly rivalry amongst schools to see who can submit the most entries. There are three categories: secondary schools; large primary schools and small primary schools. This year the winning schools were: Banchory Academy, Banchory Primary School and Tarland Primary School.

Cllr Anne Stirling, Aberdeenshire Council Communities Committee chair, said: “Our Active Schools team encourage as many children to become as healthy and physically fit as possible through regular sport and exercise. By working in partnership with Run Balmoral helps them achieve these very laudable objectives.

“This picturesque setting in the heart of Royal Deeside is the perfect place to run for charity. I would like to wish everyone who took part the very best of luck. I would like to congratulate Robbie Simpson on winning a bronze medal in the Men’s Marathon at the Commonwealth Games 2018. Run Balmoral is an excellent opportunity to hone skills. Who knows where you might end up running? A big thank you also to Run Balmoral for their support over the years.”

Committee vice chair, Cllr Iris Walker, said: “I hope all the children and young people taking part develop a passion for sport, exercise and being healthy. They may not all go on to become athletics stars of the future but they can inspire family and friends to exercise regularly which is very important when it comes to maintaining good health and wellbeing.”

Run Balmoral took place on Saturday, April 21 and Sunday, April 22 at the Balmoral Estate. For more information please visit https://runbalmoral.com/content/.