Hydrasun has been announced as the Title Sponsor for Aberdeen’s inaugural half-marathon as the firm celebrates half a century of delivering energy excellence.
After initially selling out in under a week, the newly named ‘Hydrasun Half-Marathon’ will take place on Saturday 18 July 2026, welcoming around 2,500 runners of all ages and abilities to the Granite City.
The event marks the first step in ambitious plans to establish a full City of Aberdeen Marathon from 2027 onwards, positioning Aberdeen as home to Europe's “coolest summer marathon”.
The sponsorship forms part of a landmark year for Hydrasun, a D2Zero business, which is marking 50 years in business. Founded in Aberdeen in 1976, and still headquartered in the city today, the company has grown into a globally recognised provider of integrated fluid transfer, power and control solutions across various sectors.
Hydrasun also has pedigree in backing local sports having been Aberdeen Football Club’s main sponsor during the 1983 season, when the Dons achieved European glory by beating Real Madrid 2-1 in the final of the European Cup Winners' Cup.
The company was also the main sponsor of the Hydrasun Athletics Academy which was established in 2010 in partnership with Aberdeen University and Aberdeen Sports Village. This successful partnership led to athletes from the academy competing at the highest levels, including being members of Team GB at both European Championship and Olympic level.
(From L-R) Neil Thompson, Hydrasun CEO; Steve Gray, founder of Aberdeen Marathon Company; and Bob Drummond, Hydrasun Executive Chairman.
Bob Drummond, Hydrasun’s Executive Chairman and former CEO, said: “Half a century is a major milestone in any business. From the outset we have been clear that we wanted to mark it in a way that celebrated not just our achievements, but the ambition, energy and resilience of Aberdeen and its people, so when the chance came to support this event, we leapt at it.
"The Hydrasun Half Marathon will bring together runners, volunteers, supporters and businesses from across the region and beyond. It will showcase the very best of city that the company has been proud to call home since day one.
“We are excited to play a part in creating what we believe can become one of the UK's most distinctive running events and a lasting legacy for Aberdeen's sporting calendar."
The Hydrasun Half Marathon will take runners on a 13.1-mile route through the heart of the region, capitalising on Aberdeen's naturally cooler summer climate and distinctive coastal setting to offer ideal racing conditions and a memorable participant experience.
The event is being delivered by The Aberdeen Marathon Company Limited, a new not-for-profit organisation established to create a flagship endurance event capable of attracting participants and visitors from across the UK and internationally.
Steve Gray, founder of The Aberdeen Marathon Company Limited, said: "We are delighted to welcome Hydrasun as Title Sponsor of the event. Hydrasun is one of Aberdeen's great business success stories, and as the company celebrates 50 years in business, it is fitting that they are supporting a new event designed to showcase the city on a national and international stage.
"The Hydrasun Half Marathon is the starting point in our plans to establish a full city marathon from 2027. With Hydrasun's support, we can continue building momentum behind an event that will bring significant economic, tourism and community benefits to Aberdeen and the wider region."
The event is being launched with financial support from Opportunity North East (ONE) and Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, and is supported by Great British Energy, True North Advisors and Ventex.