Ballater Games Hill Race
The Hill Race is one of the events held as part of the Ballater Highland Games at Monaltrie Park. Entry is possible on Games Day at the Registration Tent or via an online form. Competitors are asked to display race numbers clearly for identification.
The route consists of two anti-clockwise laps of the Games arena. Runners leave the Games Park, follow Provost Craig road to the A93 (Ballater - Braemar), cross the railway bridge and run down the main street through the village centre. The village section is not open to deviation. After crossing the River Dee, competitors follow the clearly marked recommended route to the summit, run around the cairn and receive a proof stamp, then descend the same route back through the village and into the Games Park, finishing in front of the Chieftain's tent.
The recommended line is directly up the middle of the hill on a well-worn path. The path varies in underfoot condition and narrows in places; runners may need to leave the path to overtake, and slower runners making their way to the summit should give way to faster runners descending. Any competitor who retires early from the race must report to a member of the field team on return to the Games Park.
A bonus is offered for a new overall record and a separate bonus for a new ladies' record. If no new record is set, the overall bonus increases by £10 each year up to a maximum of £500 and the ladies' bonus remains available each year until broken. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Briefing for Competitors:
- Competitors compete at their own risk.
- Race numbers must be displayed clearly.
- The route is two anti-clockwise laps of the Games arena, out of the park, through the village, up the hill to the summit cairn, and back.
- The path can be narrow and may require overtaking off the path. Slower runners should yield to faster runners.
- Retiring runners must report to a field team member.
Bonuses:
A bonus is offered for setting a new overall course record. In 2023, Jamie Crowe broke the 1978 record with a time of 16 mins 48 secs, receiving an additional bonus of £450. If a new record is not set, £10 is added to the bonus each year, up to a maximum of £500.
