Get up and running with sprint down Union Street for Celebrate Aberdeen parade

Runners are being encouraged to sign up for a dash down Aberdeen’s most famous street.

The Union Street Mile will form part of next month’s Celebrate Aberdeen Parade and entries for the race opened today.

The race starts from the Music Hall, heads up Union Street towards Holburn Street junction and then turns back down to finish at the Castlegate.

Celebrate Aberdeen organiser Morven Mackenzie said: “Through our weekend event in August we look to bring together lots of different groups from across Aberdeen including sports clubs, charities, voluntary groups, musicians and members of the general public.

“The idea is to highlight and give recognition to the many fantastic people we have within our community and to come together to celebrate their efforts.

“The Union Street Mile races have become a key part of our event and we would encourage people to come to the city centre to cheer all the runners on.”

The race is split into three categories – P6/7, S1 to 4 and the seniors’ race for over 16s.

Entrants must be able to complete the mile-long sprint in under seven minutes for men and eight minutes for women and children.

Jill Franks, Sport Aberdeen’s director of business development, said: “We always receive a fantastic response from the public and the race continues to attract large numbers, with hundreds more lining the streets to cheer on the participants.

“There are a limited amount of spaces and I would urge budding runners to apply sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment.

“Sport Aberdeen is committed to inspiring people of all ages to take part in sport and we are proud to be part of local events celebrating the Granite City.”

The race is free to enter on a first-come, first-served basis and will take place on Saturday August 26. The P6/7 race will start at 10.40am, S1 to 4 at 10.40am, and the seniors’ race from 10.50am.