Ballater Games Hill Race
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Event overview
The Ballater Highland Games will take place at Monaltrie Park, Ballater on Thursday 13 August 2026. Admission covers competitor fees; competitors register at the Registration Tent 30 minutes before each event or enter online. Several events include age-classified categories. Pipe bands parade around the perimeter track at intervals. For public safety, no unauthorised person is allowed on the track or competition area. Open piping competitions require advance entry using a competition form and piping stewards will assist competitors who entered online. Highland dancing events now award places up to fifth and sixth to align with other Grampian Games and to contribute to a season award.
Hill Race and local competitions
Entry for the Hill Race is available on Games Day or via the online form. The race route runs twice anti-clockwise around the arena, leaves the Games Park, follows Provost Craig road to the A93, crosses the railway bridge, passes down the main street, crosses the River Dee, then follows a marked route to the hill summit, round the cairn for a proof stamp, and returns the same way to finish in the arena. The recommended line is the well-worn central path; underfoot conditions vary and the path narrows in places. Runners who retire must report to a field team member on return. A bonus scheme exists for new course records, including an annual increment up to a set maximum and a separate bonus for a female record. Local prize eligibility is restricted by parish or residence and a ten-mile residency rule for eligibility at kindred gatherings. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
