Will you get a fairytale ending at this year's PIM Crathes Running Festival? Well, your time may not live up to those expectations, but the location certainly will. Scheduled for 16 September in the beautiful grounds of Crathes Castle in the North East, the multi-race event includes a 1.5K kids race, 5K and Half Marathon.

All races start beside the fairytale-like Crathes Castle with its intricate maze of turrets, towers, oak panels and painted ceilings. The half marathon route will then take runners out onto the country roads to the north and east of the estate grounds.

Runners will head out towards the estate of fellow NTS property, Drum Castle, eventually turning and heading back in a loop towards Crathes and finishing in front of the castle. Most of the route is on quiet, tarmac covered roads and there are also a couple of level, off-road farm track sections for a bit of variety.

The 5K and 1.5K routes have a similar start to the half marathon, however these shorter distance events will be confined to the Crathes Castle grounds providing a good challenge for all levels of runners.

Organisers stress that the half marathon course will offer competitors a good PB opportunity and all finishers will receive a medal and technical T-shirt. Runners and spectators alike will have an enjoyable and fun-filled day out and the entry fee will help support the valuable conservation work of the National Trust for Scotland.

If you'd like to know more, visit the Crathes Running Festival entries website.

Image: PIM Ltd