Organisers of one of the UK’s biggest mass-participation sporting events have launched a new ‘Great Run’ to take place in Aberdeen next year.
The Aberdeen Great Run, organised in partnership with the City Council, Chamber of Commerce, Visit Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen Inspired, will take place on Sunday, August 27 2017.
City planners hope the event will help attract up to 70,000 people to the city, including some of the world’s top athletes.
The events, organised by The Great Run Company, are now found in over 15 locations including the Bank of Scotland Great Scottish Run in Glasgow, the Great Edinburgh Run and the Great North Run in Newcastle – the world’s biggest half marathon with 57,000 entrants.
Exclusive entry into the Great Aberdeen Run for P&J readers
The Great Aberdeen Run was launched in the city’s Town House today, in close proximity to Union Street, which will form part of the proposed course, along with the beachfront promenade, the bustling harbour, Pittodrie stadium, The University of Aberdeen and the historic Brig o Balgownie.
Mark Hollinshead, group chief executive of the Great Run Company said, ”We’re thrilled to be bringing the Great Run experience to Aberdeen.
“It is a vibrant and dynamic city that will provide an impressive backdrop for this ambitious event.”
Aberdeen City Council leader Councillor Jenny Laing said: “The Great Aberdeen Run is a fantastic opportunity for the city and we look forward to welcoming runners on 27 August.
“We are proud of our role as a global city and events of this stature help to reinforce that, as well as showcasing Aberdeen to a new audience, both in terms of the thousands of participants and those following the event worldwide.
“The Great Aberdeen Run has the potential to attract visitors from throughout Britain, Europe and the world – providing a significant economic boost to the area and reinforcing our ambitions as a tourist destination.”
Steve Harris, Chief Executive of VisitAberdeenshire said, “We are delighted that the Great Run series is going to come to Aberdeen next summer.
“I believe that it will be a massive draw for the region as runners from far afield come to try out a new city and bring friends and family to join them.
“In addition the exposure that the city will get will help us to demonstrate what a good place it is to come and visit.”
For exclusive early entry to the Great Run Aberdeen, click here.