Beast Race Scotland – Banchory, Scotland 2025

Background & History

The Beast Race Scotland, launched in 2014, is Scotland’s toughest obstacle course race, featuring a 10km rugged course with 30+ obstacles like giant water slides, icy loch dips, mud pits, and swamp traverses. Held annually at Knockburn Loch near Banchory, Aberdeenshire, it attracts over 2,000 runners, from elites to first-timers, promoting fitness, fun, and charity fundraising.

Organized by Beast Race Ltd, it partners with charities like Scottish Charity Air Ambulance, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, and SBH Scotland, raising thousands annually. The 2025 event on 20 September showcases Aberdeenshire’s wild landscapes and fosters community spirit.

Event Highlights

• Main Race (10km Obstacle Course): 20 September 2025, waves from 9:45 AM–2:00 PM, Knockburn Loch. Includes 30+ obstacles (water slides, loch swims, mud crawls, rope climbs) for all fitness levels.
• Team Waves: Group entries encouraged; create/join teams during registration for shared start times.
• Finish Line Feast: Post-race snack (e.g., banana, energy bar) included; street food vendors available ($5–$15 USD, veggie options).
• Prize Giving: Virtual on Facebook post-event, awarding wooden Beast Shields to the top 3 male/female finishers.
• Fringe Activities: Free spectator viewing at key obstacles near the event centre; live music and charity stalls enhance the festive vibe.

Date & Duration

• Date: 20 September 2025.
• Duration: 1 day.
• Opening Times:
  • 8:30 AM: Car park opens.
  • 9:00 AM: Registration opens for the first wave.
  • 9:45 AM–2:00 PM: Race waves (every 15 minutes, 1st to 18th wave).
  • Post-race: Virtual prize giving on Facebook (time TBD).
• Note: Times per the provided document, subject to weather. Check www.beastrace.co.uk for updates.

Main Event Address

• Primary Venue: Knockburn Loch, Strachan, Banchory, Aberdeenshire, AB31 6HA. Hosts registration, start/finish, obstacles, and spectator areas.
• Secondary Venues: None; all activities (race, fringe, food stalls) occur at Knockburn Loch.
• Administrative Contact: Beast Race Ltd, info@beastrace.co.uk; no physical office listed, use online form at www.beastrace.co.uk/contact.
• Note: Course maps and spectator points at www.beastrace.co.uk. Limited accessibility due to terrain; contact info@beastrace.co.uk for inquiries.

Contact Information

• Email: info@beastrace.co.uk (general, ticketing, accessibility, charity entries).
• Phone: Not listed; use online contact form at www.beastrace.co.uk/contact.
• Website: www.beastrace.co.uk (registration, course details, FAQs).
• Social Media: @BeastRaceUK (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X). Newsletter signup at www.beastrace.co.uk.
• Ticketing: Via RaceSpace (www.race-space.com, linked via www.beastrace.co.uk); charity entries via partner websites (e.g., www.scaa.org.uk, www.chss.org.uk).

Ticket Information

• How to Book: Standard entries sold out; charity entries free with £150 fundraising commitment (~$201 USD, 1 GBP ≈ 1.34 USD) via partners like Scottish Charity Air Ambulance, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, or SBH Scotland. Register online via www.race-space.com (linked through www.beastrace.co.uk) or charity websites (e.g., www.scaa.org.uk). No on-day registration. Refunds within 14-day cooling-off period (minus RaceSpace fee); no refunds after or within 14 days of event. No deferrals to future years. Contact info@beastrace.co.uk for substitutions, team management, or accessibility. Bring a digital/printed ticket to registration 45 minutes before the wave starts.
• 2025 Pricing (USD, 1 GBP ≈ 1.34 USD):
  • Standard Entry: Sold out; previously £68.48 ≈ $92 USD (2024 reference).
  • Charity Entry: Free with a £150 ≈ $201 USD fundraising commitment per person (e.g., Scottish Charity Air Ambulance, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, SBH Scotland).
  • Programme: ~£5 ≈ $6.70 USD (speculative, includes course map, obstacle list).
  • Optional T-Shirt: ~£15 ≈ $20 USD (recycled plastic, add-on at registration).
  • Donations: Optional, suggested $2.50–$12.50 USD at charity stalls.
• Ticket Range:
  • GBP: Free (charity entry with £150 fundraising) to ~£15 (T-shirt).
  • USD: ~$0 (charity entry with $201 fundraising) to ~$20 USD (T-shirt).
• What’s Included: Race memento, finish line snack, electronic timing chip, medical support, water-safety marshals, water stations, VAT. Timing chip issued at registration; results posted on social media and emailed.
• Additional Notes: Standard entry price from 2024 per; 2025 charity fundraising confirmed per. Programme and T-shirt prices speculative, based on similar events (e.g., Mull Rally). Full details TBD January 2025 at www.beastrace.co.uk. Team entries allow group wave assignments; substitutions via RaceSpace up to two weeks before the event (see FAQs).

Cultural Experience

The Beast Race celebrates Scotland’s rugged outdoor spirit, challenging participants with natural and man-made obstacles set against Aberdeenshire’s dramatic landscapes. It fosters camaraderie through team waves and raises thousands for charities like air ambulances, reflecting Scotland’s community-driven adventure culture. Spectators enjoy live music, food, and a festive atmosphere.

Food & Drinks

• Event Venue: Finish line snack (e.g., banana, energy bar) included. Street food vendors at Knockburn Loch (veggie options, $5–$15 USD, cash/card). Water stations on course and at the finish. No alcohol on-site due to safety rules.
• Nearby Dining:
  • The Falls of Feugh Restaurant (Scottish cuisine, $10–$25 USD, 5-minute drive).
  • Raemoir House Hotel (fine dining, $15–$35 USD, 10-minute drive).
  • The Feughside Inn (pub fare, $10–$20 USD, 5-minute drive).
• Alcohol Policy: Not available at venue; nearby pubs (e.g., The Feughside Inn, $5–$10 USD).,

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly:
  • Free spectator access for all ages; children enjoy viewing obstacles near the event centre. No course/obstacle access for safety. No dogs allowed.
• Accessibility:
  • Knockburn Loch: Limited wheelchair access due to grassy/uneven terrain; hard-standing parking available (inform stewards on arrival). Temporary accessible toilets. Some obstacles are viewable with limited mobility; contact info@beastrace.co.uk for details.
  • Assistance animals welcome; full 2025 accessibility TBD at www.beastrace.co.uk.,

Getting There

• By Air: Aberdeen Airport (ABZ, 25 miles, 40-minute drive).
• Public Transport:
  • Train: Stonehaven Station (15 miles, 30-minute taxi/bus to Banchory, $10–$20 USD). Check www.scotrail.co.uk.
  • Bus: Stagecoach Bluebird (e.g., 201, $5–$10 USD from Aberdeen to Banchory, 10-minute walk to Knockburn Loch).
• By Car: Free parking at Knockburn Loch (AB31 6HA, opens 8:30 AM). Grass parking may be wet; car-sharing encouraged.
• By Coach: Pre-book via info@beastrace.co.uk (24 hours’ notice).
• By Bike/Foot: 10-minute walk from Banchory bus stop; limited bike parking.
• By Taxi: Aberdeen Taxis (+44 1224 343434, $20–$40 USD from ABZ).
• Rideshare: Uber ($20–$30 USD, limited).,

Program Details

• 19 September 2025: Registration closes; wave times emailed.
• 20 September 2025:
  • 8:30 AM: Car park opens.
  • 9:00 AM: Registration opens for the first wave.
  • 9:45 AM–2:00 PM: Waves (every 15 minutes, 1st to 18th).
  • Post-race: Virtual prize giving on Facebook (time TBD).
• Note: Schedule per the provided document, subject to weather. Check www.beastrace.co.uk.

Past Notable Performances

• 2024: Sold-out event; top finishers Andrew McKenna (men’s) and Sarah O’Neil (women’s).
• 2023: Introduced new obstacles; raised £25,000 for charities like SBH Scotland.,

Educational Impact

• Safety Briefing: Mandatory at registration; covers obstacle navigation and safety.
• Charity Awareness: Promotes fundraising for air ambulances and health charities.
• Event Programme: ~$6.70 USD, includes course map, obstacle list, and safety tips.

Cultural Activities

• 10km Obstacle Course: 20 September, 9:45 AM–2:00 PM, charity entry is free with $201 USD fundraising. 30+ obstacles in Aberdeenshire’s rugged terrain.
• Spectator Viewing: Free, near the event centre, with music and charity stalls.

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Charity entry via www.scaa.org.uk or www.chss.org.uk; accommodation limited in Banchory (book via www.visitscotland.com).
• Weather Prep: September (50–60°F, rainy/muddy); bring trail shoes, towel, warm clothes.
• Explore Locally: Crathes Castle ($15 USD, 5-minute drive), Falls of Feugh (free, 5-minute drive).
• Public Transport: Stagecoach smartcard ($5 USD); bus tickets ($5–$10 USD).
• Festival Info: Digital schedules at www.beastrace.co.uk; Great Run app for tracking.

Local Attractions

• Crathes Castle: Historic site ($15 USD, 5-minute drive).
• Falls of Feugh: Scenic waterfall (free, 5-minute drive).
• Raemoir Trout Fishery: Fishing ($10–$20 USD, 5-minute drive).

Accommodation Options

• Hotels: Tor-Na-Coille Hotel ($100–$200 USD/night, 5-minute drive).
• B&Bs: Feughside Inn B&B ($80–$150 USD/night, 5-minute drive).
• Airbnb: Banchory cottages ($60–$120 USD/night).
• Booking Tip: Reserve 6–12 months for September; check www.visitscotland.com.

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: Professional first aid and water-safety marshals on-site; nearest hospital in Aberdeen (20 miles, 30-minute drive).
• Security: Marshals enforce safety; no drones. Medical disclaimer required at registration.
• Health Protocols: Sanitizer stations; optional masks. Full 2025 details TBD at www.beastrace.co.uk.
• Safeguarding: Per Beast Race Ltd policies at www.beastrace.co.uk.