The inaugural Aberdeen Marathon is on course for a sell-out almost a year before race day after organisers revealed that 85% of places have already been secured.
With 50 weeks still to go until the event takes place on Saturday 17 July 2027, almost two-thirds (65%) of entries for the returning Hydrasun Half Marathon have also been sold, underlining the extraordinary demand for what organisers believe will become one of Scotland's flagship annual sporting events.
The figures come just days after organisers unveiled the routes for all three races, with runners set to start and finish in Marischal Square before taking in many of Aberdeen's best-known landmarks, including Union Street, Duthie Park, Footdee, Aberdeen Beach, Old Aberdeen, the Brig o' Balgownie and St Machar's Cathedral.
The marathon will also tackle the climb through Milltimber before returning to the city centre via Rosemount and Union Terrace Gardens, whilst taking in the unique views of the Port of Aberdeen.
The Half Marathon has also been redesigned for 2027, while a new city centre 5K will complete what organisers hope will become a major annual running festival for the North-east.
The announcement follows the hugely successful Hydrasun Half Marathon earlier this month, which attracted more than 3,000 runners and 5,000 spectators and prompted organisers to launch the city's first full marathon.
Organiser Steve Gray said: "To have sold 85% of the marathon and 65% of the half marathon with 50 weeks still to go is an incredible position to be in.
"The response has exceeded every expectation and shows there is a real appetite for a major running festival in Aberdeen.
"We've now revealed the routes and we think runners are going to love what we've created. From Union Street and the Beach Esplanade to Old Aberdeen and some of the city's most iconic landmarks, this is a course that showcases everything that makes Aberdeen unique.
"If people are thinking about entering, our advice is simple - don't leave it too long. The momentum behind these events has been remarkable and places are disappearing far faster than we anticipated."
The Aberdeen Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K will all start and finish in Marischal Square, creating a festival atmosphere in the heart of the city while giving thousands of spectators the opportunity to cheer runners on throughout the day.
Organisers believe the event has the potential to attract participants from across Scotland, the UK and overseas while delivering a significant boost to Aberdeen's visitor economy.
Entries for the Aberdeen Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K remain open. Click here to enter.