Runners taking part in Run Balmoral 2025, will tackle the local impact of climate change and biodiversity loss and leave a legacy on Deeside.
In an innovative move towards improving the sustainability of the popular annual running festival, organisers will commit to plant a riverbank tree for every runner, in place of providing the usual event t-shirts.
The initiative will support the vital work of locally based conservation charity, The River Dee Trust. Debbie Cooper, Development & Promotions Officer at the Trust, explains:
“Thanks to the vision and commitment of the event organisers, we are thrilled to be working with the team at Run Balmoral. Of course, the exposure the event will provide for the Trust is phenomenal, but it is the trees that will be planted on behalf of the runners that are the real game-changer.
“We launched our multi-award winning One Million Trees Campaign in 2020, after recording dangerously high-water temperatures in the tributaries of the Dee that are vital nursery areas for young salmon.
“We know climate change will bring more extremes of drought and high temperatures. By planting one million trees along riverbanks, we will provide shade over many kilometers of Dee catchment, lowering the water temperature and increasing the chance of survival for endangered species such as Atlantic salmon and Freshwater Pearl Mussels. We have already planted 484,000 native trees, and with the additional trees planted on behalf of Run Balmoral runners, we are forecast to pass the exciting halfway marker of 500,000 trees during the 2025 tree planting season.
“As well as providing cooling shade, the trees will help to increase biodiversity, stabilise riverbanks and increase stability to river channels in times of flood. The leaf litter they create will feed aquatic insects which improve food sources for wildlife.”
Run Balmoral ‘s Chair James Knowles added: “We have been talking to the team at the River Dee Trust about this idea, and it is incredibly exciting to bring it fruition for the 2025 event. It is the right time to make this positive change, and our sponsors and runners are very much behind this initiative.
“It is amazing to think that over 5,000 trees will be planted across key sites on the upper Dee catchment area, where they are most needed.
“Entries for Run Balmoral are now open and people can sign-up at www.runbalmoral.com”
For over 25 years, The River Dee Trust has been improving the ecology of the river Dee, delivering inspirational nature restoration and engaging with schools and community groups across Northeast Scotland. To find out more visit www.riverdee.org