The Hillsborough Castle Festival Half Marathon begins and ends within the magnificent grounds of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, the official royal residence in Northern Ireland. The closed-road course leads participants through scenic parkland and tree-lined avenues before heading out toward local landmarks such as the historic Hillsborough Fort and the tranquil Hillsborough Lake. Runners navigate a picturesque loop that extends onto the surrounding rural forest areas and the Ballynahinch Road, offering a variety of beautiful landscapes. The terrain is described as multi-terrain, consisting of a mix of well-maintained paths and public roads that are notably hilly. With a finish line located in the heart of the event village, this race provides a unique and inspiring challenge set against a backdrop of 18th-century elegance.