A major new outdoor sports festival is coming to Banchory in 2026, with organisers aiming to create an annual event that celebrates sport, community and the spectacular landscapes of Royal Deeside. The explorr Festival, taking place 28-30 August 2026, will bring together running, gravel cycling and outdoor adventure for a three-day celebration designed to attract visitors from across Scotland, the UK and internationally. The event is being supported by Aberdeenshire Council, recognising the opportunity to showcase the region and generate significant economic benefits for local businesses.
explorr will incorporate the much-loved Run Banchory event, ensuring the long-standing community race continues as part of a larger festival weekend. Organisers say the new format will allow the event to grow while maintaining the welcoming spirit that has made Run Banchory such a popular fixture in the local calendar. Alongside the running programme, which includes a 5km, 10km, Half Marathon and Marathon, the festival will also feature the explorr Gravel Stage Race, bringing riders to the area to experience the region’s forest gravel tracks and landscapes. The festival will also feature a Charity Night Hike, raising funds for Prostate Cancer UK, Breast Cancer UK and Banchory Outdoor and Active, giving participants the chance to explore the local landscape while supporting important causes. Across the weekend, Banchory will host an Event Village with live music, food, outdoor brands expo, athlete talks and family activities.
Early-bird entries for the inaugural explorr Festival are now available, with organisers encouraging participants to secure their place for what promises to be an unforgettable weekend of sport and adventure. Full event information can be found at: www.explorr.co.uk