Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running

But its not just the promise of the fabled monster that attracts participants to the Scottish Highlands each October – many come to race in a marathon that has earned itself a reputation as one of the most popular in the UK attracting a field from across the world.  This race is renowned for its warm Highland welcome, first class organisation and scenic beauty as well as Nessie spotting. 

The 2008 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running had a record entry of 5600 runners and is now the largest participatory sports event in the north of Scotland.

The event not only attracted elite Scottish, international and club runners, but also proved massively popular with amatueurs, joggers and those who were running to raise money for charity. Fifty different nationalities were represented in the marathon, 10k and 5k races, with athletes from as far afield as Australia, Brazil, Japan, Kenya, New Zealand and Trinidad.

The Loch Ness Marathon is a point-to-point marathon following a route along the south-side of Loch Ness running through spectacular moorland, forest and along the loch itself for the majority of the route to finish in the Highland capital of Inverness.

Whilst marathon runners make their way towards Inverness, also joining in the Festival of Running are runners taking part in the Baxters River Ness 10K and 5K Fun Run. The 10K is a flat point-to-point route through Inverness which has seen many PBs broken.

Another highlight for runners and spectators is the pre-race Baxters Pasta Party and the festival atmosphere on race day. Live ceilidh music, massed pipes and drums, kids activities and Highland food make sure all participants including non-runners and families are well-catered for. What better way to finish a race?

www.lochnessmarathon.com