Hillsborough Castle & Gardens Running Festival Presented by Gateley
From RunThrough Events
- Date Sun 26th July 2026
- Time 09:00
- Location Hillsborough, County Down
- Price £37.00 - £182.00
- Races 3 races
- Distances 10km, Half Marathon
Top rated
This is a popular event
Event summary
Get ready for an unforgettable running experience at the Hillsborough Castle & Gardens Running Festival, presented by RunThrough Events! Mark your calendars for Sunday, July 26, 2026, as this exciting event takes place in the picturesque setting of Hillsborough, County Down. Runners of all abilities are invited to participate in either a thrilling 10k or a challenging half marathon, both designed to showcase the stunning landscapes and historic attractions of the area.
The races kick off at 9:00 AM for the half marathon and 9:40 AM for the 10k, starting within the beautiful grounds of Hillsborough Castle. Participants will enjoy scenic routes that wind through local forests and past landmarks such as Hillsborough Fort and Hillsborough Lake. With each mile clearly marked and enthusiastic pacers to support you, this festival is not just a race—it's a celebration of community and fitness, all in support of the Northern Ireland Hospice. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to run in one of the most unique locations in Northern Ireland!
The races kick off at 9:00 AM for the half marathon and 9:40 AM for the 10k, starting within the beautiful grounds of Hillsborough Castle. Participants will enjoy scenic routes that wind through local forests and past landmarks such as Hillsborough Fort and Hillsborough Lake. With each mile clearly marked and enthusiastic pacers to support you, this festival is not just a race—it's a celebration of community and fitness, all in support of the Northern Ireland Hospice. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to run in one of the most unique locations in Northern Ireland!
Hillsborough Castle & Gardens Running Festival Presented by Gateley
Sun 26th July 2026
Organiser's Description
Run the Hillsborough Castle & Gardens Running Festival Presented By Gateley on Sunday 26th July 2026
In Support of Northern Ireland Hospice!
We are excited to announce the return of the Hillsborough Castle & Gardens Running Festival, including something for the whole family with a 10k, and a half marathon to choose from! Come and run the event at Hillsborough Castle on Sunday 26th July 2026 and take the opportunity to race around this unique location!
These races will start within the beautiful Grounds of Hillsborough Castle, before heading out onto the surrounding forest areas of Hillsborough and taking in historic attractions in the local area such as Hillsborough Fort and Hillsborough Lake, the half marathon & 10k will then head out on to Ballynahinch road before re-joining the Castle grounds to finish in the event village. Each mile is accurately marked out with distance flags and we have plenty of helpers to keep you on track and to encourage you on your way to the finish.
Race Distance & Start Times
09:00 am - Half Marathon
09:40 am - 10k
This race will have pacers to help you along your way!
*Please Note: due to road closures there is a strict 3 hour cut off time for the Half Marathon!
In Support of Northern Ireland Hospice!
We are excited to announce the return of the Hillsborough Castle & Gardens Running Festival, including something for the whole family with a 10k, and a half marathon to choose from! Come and run the event at Hillsborough Castle on Sunday 26th July 2026 and take the opportunity to race around this unique location!
These races will start within the beautiful Grounds of Hillsborough Castle, before heading out onto the surrounding forest areas of Hillsborough and taking in historic attractions in the local area such as Hillsborough Fort and Hillsborough Lake, the half marathon & 10k will then head out on to Ballynahinch road before re-joining the Castle grounds to finish in the event village. Each mile is accurately marked out with distance flags and we have plenty of helpers to keep you on track and to encourage you on your way to the finish.
Race Distance & Start Times
09:00 am - Half Marathon
09:40 am - 10k
This race will have pacers to help you along your way!
*Please Note: due to road closures there is a strict 3 hour cut off time for the Half Marathon!
Races
-
10k
Sun 26th July 2026 (09:40)
£37.00
Booking for more than 1? -
Half Marathon
Sun 26th July 2026 (09:00)
£42.00
Booking for more than 1? -
Group Booking (6 Places)
£182.00
Reviews
- 5
- 4
- 3
- 2
- 1
4.6
8 reviews
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·a year ago
Really enjoyed todays 5 k as I turned 67 a great birthday walk n run will be back next year. Only gripe start for 5k should have been signposted better the main start was were everyone thought it started but was off on side track others wise very well done organisers and volunteers great day birthday overall thanks austin
This event was very good, very well planned apart from two things from my point of view, my chip time isn't on the results I finished in 59mins 17secs ish and second of all there were no tshirts to buy unless you preordered which wasn't great but apart from that me and my family had a good day
Superb organisation. I really enjoyed this race, from arriving at the pick up point busses were running efficiently to the Gardens, race village was well run,warm up spot on, race started on time, a nice downhill start , when do we ever have one of those, lol, scenery was exceptional, the multi terrain ground makes this race interesting for everyone, race medals were superb
Brilliantly organised. Loved this run, the level of organisation and the availability of staff and marshals. The only thing that I think was a big problem is the fact that part of the half marathon course at the beginning was on the path the 10km and 5km runners had to walk up to to get to the event village which meant that the runners of the half were having to dodge runners yet to begin their event as well as supporters/members of the public. Must have been incredibly frustrating not to mention dangerous. An alternative route to get to the event village is a must for subsequent years.
Eamon
·5 years ago
EXCEPTIONALLY WELL ORGANISED EVENT. From I booked to take part in the 5k event online I was VERY impressed by the high level of organisational activity that was put into running these three races. Excellent communication before the event and from the sign posting to the car park, the fleet of buses that carried us to the Castle and the number of staff and volunteers that were managing the races. Great commentary prior to race starting and good distance markers along the way. I also found that there was a very friendly atmosphere generated by friendly helpful staff. If I was to use one word to describe the event it would be 'professional'. Well done to all involved
Good Running Event. I personally found this run very enjoyable. There is a lot to be said for the organisation for this event. Zero traffic (Free shuttle bus transfers from the Eikon centre), Event Village with catering facilities, warm up instructor class, cafe in the grounds, and brilliant toilet facilities. Event organisation down to a tee.
The run itself was very hilly which isn't surprising from the name of the town. This is made easier from gorgeous lakes, deep woodland, beautiful countryside and the stunning castle grounds. This run has it all! Hard run but I would highly recommend. Had a great day out. Course could be updated potentially to has less of the final section of the run in the castle grounds as it is tight and twisty but all in all very enjoyable.
Great event. From the minute we arrived at the car park it was obvious this was going to be be very well organised, we were guided in to a parking space and then proceeded to explore the grounds before the race started. All of the staff at the castle were very friendly and welcoming. The volunteers at the race were fantastics from the warm up to the race director to the marshalls on the course, everyone encouraged all of the runners. Plenty of snacks afterwards too!
Hillsborough Castle & Gardens Running Festival Presented by Gateley