Baxters Loch Ness Marathon

The Loch Ness monster is not the only long running legend in the area, as Loch Ness is also home to one of the best marathons in the UK.

The Baxters Loch Ness Marathon is quite possibly one of the most stunning marathons in the world. With spectacular scenery, fantastic atmosphere and a truly memorable experience – it’s no wonder it was voted in the top 10 UK marathons by Runner’s World readers in 2016 and is on the bucket list for many runners from around the world.

“Breathtakingly beautiful”, “friendly atmosphere”, “flawless organisation”, “felt like a festival not just a race” are just some of the comments from runners, so why not go and experience it for yourself?

The Loch Ness Marathon follows a spectacular point-to-point route alongside world famous Loch Ness, starting in an atmospheric moorland setting and continues through stunning Highland scenery, taking you along the south-eastern shores of Loch Ness, across the River Ness, to finish in Inverness, capital city of the Highlands. The centuries-old legend of the Loch Ness Monster is a story that continues to run. Along with the scenic beauty of the area, it has been responsible for attracting visitors to this fascinating part of Scotland for many years.

Whatever your reasons for running, join thousands of runners from around the world on the start line and become part of the Loch Ness running legend. All events on offer provide fantastic sights, challenges to suit various abilities, lots of fun and the chance to achieve something memorable in one of the most famous parts of the world.

The Loch Ness Marathon route begins in an atmospheric location and continues through breathtaking scenery, taking you along the south eastern shores of Loch Ness, across the River Ness, and into the centre of Inverness, capital city of the Highlands.

A hot meal and entertainment await you at the finish and a fantastic technical t-shirt is included in your entry fee.

Lonely Planet’s 1000 Ultimate Adventures listed the Loch Ness Marathon as ‘one of the most mind-blowing marathons.’

Baxters Loch Ness Marathon - the Marathon Route.

The Course

The Marathon will start on the high ground between Fort Augustus and Foyers and will drop down to the banks of Loch Ness at Foyers. From there, the route follows the Loch’s south eastern shore, heading north east towards Dores on the northern tip of the loch. From Dores, the race heads directly into the centre of Inverness, turning left over the main road bridge and left again for the last half mile along the River Ness to the finish at Bught Park in the centre of Inverness.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE COURSE MAP

Start Time

The Marathon starts at 10.00am on Sunday between Fort Augustus and Foyers on the south side of Loch Ness, and will finish along the River Ness at Bught Park in the centre of Inverness.

Distances

• Marathon
• 10k
• 10k Corporate Challenge
• 5k Fun Run
• Wee Nessie (for pre-school aged children)

Race Pack Collection

Pre-race Registration for marathon runners will take place between 11.30-18.00 on Saturday at Bught Park where you will collect your race number, timing tag, baggage label and Pasta Party tickets.

Entry Fee Includes

• Finisher’s technical tshirt
• Finisher's Medal
• Goody bag
• Post-race food
• Electronic timing
• Downloadable finisher's certificate
• Water stations along the route
• HIGH5 gel stations along the route
• Coash transport to the marathon start
• Baggage transfer from start to finish
• Fantastic Festival at the finish

Expo

• Saturday 10:00 – 18:00, Event Village, Bught Park
• Sunday 9:00 – 16:00

Festival on Saturday

• 10.00-16.00 Saturday, Bught Park

Kick off your race weekend with a visit to Scotland’s only Expo dedicated to runners and the Runners’ Café, open during Registration on Saturday 22 September, 10:00-16:00.  Free entry for all!

Grab a coffee, cake, Baxters Hearty soup or whatever takes your fancy from our street food vendors in the Runners’ Café, listen to the Expo talks, chat with other runners from around the world or just chill out with some traditional Scottish music.

Join BBC Radio Scotland’s Bryan Burnett and former international marathon runner, Fraser Clyne, for a series of bitesize shows throughout the afternoon. They will be joined by various experts from the running world to advise you on how to get it right on the day and tips for achieving best performance including a look at the marathon course, race day nutrition, kit, shoes and some exciting giveaways!

The Expo offers a great range of running products and offers from leading sports brands all weekend. So, whether it’s some new gear to run in, something to measure your performance, some fuel to get you around or something to help you recover, we promise you’ll be spoilt for choice. There will also be free sampling, product trials, demos, prize draws and some marathon sized offers exclusively for Loch Ness runners.

Race Day Transport

All marathon runners are transported by bus to the Start from the Ice Rink at Bught Park, a 10 minute walk from the Event Village. Please arrive between 06.45 and 07.15 as buses will depart promptly at 07.30. Due to logistical reasons and route access it is impossible for runners to travel to the Start independently.

All runners will be transported to the start of the race from 3 pick-up points:

• Pick-up Point 1 – Ice Rink, near Bught Park, 06.45-07.15
• Pick-up Point 2 – Drumnadrochit Tourist Information Centre, 08.15
• Pick-up Point 3 – Fort Augustus Tourist Information Centre, 08.40

Timing

All Marathon runners will be chip timed. This is attached to your race number.

Aid Stations

There are 7 water stations along the marathon and water will be provided in 330ml recyclable plastic bottles. There will be 4 gel stations along the marathon route providing High5 Energy Gels. 

Toilets

Toilets are available at the Event Village at Bught Park prior to transport to the start. There are also Portaloos at the start, and clearly signed Public Toilets and Portaloos at regular intervals along the route, as follows:

• 2.6 miles – Whitebridge Hotel
• 6.5 miles – Foyers Public Toilets (Portaloos)
• 9.0 miles – Inverfarigaig Forest Enterprise
• 17.5 miles – Dores Inn (Portaloos)
• 23 miles – Holm Roundabout, Inverness (Portaloos)

Slow Runners

Runners expecting to take longer than 5 hours must use the pavement on the left hand side through Inverness as roads start to open again to traffic and race organisers start dismantling the course from 15.00 onwards. Please note that safety support and water will be available along the route until 17.00.

Finish Line

The Finish is along the River Ness at Bught Park in the centre of Inverness. You will receive your finisher’s medal, t-shirt and fantastic goodie bag. There is also complimentary post-race food, which includes Baxters soup, for all marathon runners. Showers and changing facilities are available. Massage is also on offer for a small donation to charity.

Event Photographs and Finishers Certificate

Marathon-Photos.com will be taking photographs and video of the competitors on the course and at the finish. The photos will be available online within 72 hours of the event to every entrant. All competitors will be able to download their FREE Event Certificate.

Race Day Festival

There will be lots going on for runners and spectators at the Event Village, Bught Park on Sunday, open to the public from 09.00 – 1600.  There’s a fantastic line up of live music and entertainment, charity and sports  expo and  family fun activities.  Find out more here.

And…you won’t go hungry if you’re one of the thousands of spectators enjoying the sights and sounds of the Festival – come and see us at the Baxters Food & Drink Fayre where you’ll find a mouth-watering array of hot and cold food to eat on the go.

Spectators

Spectators have a key part to play in this Marathon. Their cheers of encouragement and congratulations always help to keep the runners on the move, particularly on the final push through the city of Inverness and as they enter Bught Park. The final 4 miles through Inverness provide the best vantage points for spectators.

2024 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon Itinerary 

Friday 27 Sep

• Arrive Loch Ness
• Check into hotel in Inverness

Saturday 28 Sep

• 10.30-16.00 Expo and Race Pack collection, Bught Park

Sunday 29 Sep

• 06.45 – 07.15 Runners arrive at Bught Park to be transported by bus to the Start
• 07.15-07.45 Buses depart from Bught Park
• 08.15 Bus pick-up from Drumnadrochit Tourist Information Centre
• 08.40 Bus pick-up from Fort Augustus Tourist Information Centre
• 08.45 Buses arrive at Start
• 10.00 Start of Baxters Loch Ness Marathon
• 10.00-16.00 Festival of Running at Bught Park open to the public
• 13.45 Prize giving at Bught Park

Monday 30 Sep

• Depart Inverness

The Highlands of Scotland

Loch Ness is famouse around the world but the area has much more to offer beyond the legendary monster!

A land of soaring mountains, enchanting glens and lochs with rich history and heritage await in the Highlands. Visitors can experience castles, golf, whisky distilleries, beaches and enjoy delicious local food and drink.

The gateway to the Highlands, Inverness, is a vibrant, growing city with a great rrange of accommodation, fine restaurants, music and cultural events to enjoy. There are also excellent flight connections via Amsterdam and London. 

International runners often add on a few days touring or sightseeing before or after the marathon and may start or finish their trip by visiting the captial city of Edinburgh or Glasgow. 

2024 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon Entry and Accommodation Packages

Whatever your budget or travel requirements, we can prepare an Entry and Accommodation Package for your weekend in Inverness. Or even longer!

Accommodation in Inverness books out early in anticipation of the Loch Ness Marathon. Book early to secure your preferred accommodation. 

Some suggestions to extend your stay:

• Canoe, Kayak or Sea Kayaking
• Highland Explorer Tours
• Loch Ness Cruises
• The Whiskey Trail
• Wilderness Tours
• Walking/Hiking
• Dolphin watching
• Cairngorms National Park
• Clans & Tartans
• Edinburgh
• Glasgow

…. and much more!