Hillsborough Castle & Gardens Running Festival July 2026
Sun, Jul 26, 2026
Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, Hillsborough
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Hillsborough Castle & Gardens Running Festival July 2026
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Booked 13 times in the last week
Booked 13 times in the last week
About
Starting and finishing within the beautiful grounds of Hillsborough Castle, this family-friendly running festival is one for everyone to enjoy. With three distances on offer, there is a race for any ability. Reach the finish and wear your finisher's medal with pride.
Half Marathon, RunThrough Foundation and 10k
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Sun, Jul 26, 2026
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Hillsborough, United Kingdom
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4.6(Reviews)
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Where and when
Location
Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, The Square, Hillsborough BT26 6GT, UK
Start times
Sunday, Jul 26, 2026
Half Marathon: 9:00 AM10k: 9:40 AM
Event summary
Here are the distances available for Hillsborough Castle & Gardens Running Festival July 2026
10k
10km
£36
Half Marathon
13.1km
£40
RunThrough Foundation
£80
10k
10km
£36
Half Marathon
13.1km
£40
RunThrough Foundation
£80
Route information
Starting and finishing within the beautiful Grounds of Hillsborough Castle, this closed road event will ensure runners feel safe and secure as they take on their running challenge.
Runners will head out onto the surrounding rural roads of Hillsborough, taking in the historic attractions of the local area, such as Hillsborough Fort and Hillsborough Lake. TO end, runners will take a lap of the Gardens, a chance to soak in the tranquil atmosphere before crossing the finish.
The course will be fully way-marked with signs, arrows and distance markers. There will also be marshals stationed throughout the course to guide and encourage you on your way.
What's included
- Unique Finisher's Medal
- Chip-timed results
- Free official event photos
- Post race goodies
How to get there
Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, The Square, Hillsborough BT26 6GT, UK
Get full directionsParking
There will be parking at the venue for all runners.
By Train
Lisburn train station (5 miles away) and Moira train station (8 miles away) are located within close proximity to the Castle.
Event day logistics
09:00 Half Marathon starts
09:30 5k starts
09:40 10k starts
13:00 Event ends
*Please arrive early, allowing plenty of time to register, attach your race number, drop your bag and warm up.
Age Restrictions
To enter the U16 5k race, entrants must be between the ages of 11 and 16.
To enter all other race entrants must be at least:
- 11 and over to enter the 5k
- 15 and over to enter the 10k
- 17 and over to enter the Half Marathon
Cut-off Time
Please note that there is a strict 3 hour cut off time for the Half Marathon race.
Bag Drop
There will be a secure area where bags can be left, though it is recommended that you bring as little baggage as possible. Your bag tag is attached to your race number which you can tear off and attach to your bag.
Refreshments
There will be water stations after each lap of the race. There will also be water, flapjacks and bananas at the finish line.
Headphones
It is not recommended that you wear headphones during the race. This is so you stay alert to your surroundings and hear the encouragement from marshals and spectators. There will also be pedestrians on the paths you'll be running who you'll need to be aware of.
Race Results
Your race timings will be published on the RunThrough results page after the race.
Race start
After the warm-up, estimated finish times will be called to the starting pen where the marshals will guide you to the start.
The Finish
Do not stop in the finish area, continue through the finish until you pass the medals and are in an open space. Please leave the race village as soon as possible after the race to avoid groups congregating.
FAQs
Can I wear headphones during the Hillsborough Castle Running Festival?
The event organiser requests that you do not wear headphones during the race so you can hear the marshals, as well as be aware of your surroundings.
Are there any age requirements for this Hillsborough Castle Running Festival races?
To enter the U16 5k race, entrants must be between the ages of 11 and 16. To enter all other race entrants must be at least, 11 and over to enter the 5k, 15 and over to enter the 10k, 17 and over to enter the Half Marathon.
Will there be photos taken during the Hillsborough Castle Running Festival, and where will I be able to find them?
RunThrough will have a photographer taking a few snaps of the race and they will be on the RunThrough website after the race so be sure to check it out and see if you can spot yourself.
Reviews
4.6
237 reviews
Stunning scenery
Friendly atmosphere
Incredible crowds
Smiths Building, Lower Ground Floor, 179 Great Portland St,
London, W1W 5PL
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