FAQ’s

Is it possible to transfer my place from the marathon to the 10K?
We are really sorry but we do not operate a transfer system between races.  If you are interested in taking part in the 10K you can still register online until the 10 September 2012 (although this may be brought forward if we reach capacity numbers sooner), unfortunately you will have to pay the registration fee.   Alternatively you can still continue training for the marathon.

Is it possible to transfer my place to another runner?
We are really sorry but due to health and safety reasons, we do not operate a transfer system between runners.

Do I get a refund if I have to withdraw from the race?
As stated on the terms and conditions of entry, all entry fees are non refundable, so we regret it is not possible to refund your entry fee.

I am having difficulty entering and paying online – who do I contact?
Please check carefully that you have read the Entry Information and Conditions of Entry. If you still have problems, please email info@lochnessmarathon.com or call the Event Hotline on 0844 875 1411 (national call rates apply)

What is included in the entry fee?
Entry fee includes commemorative finishers medal, quality t-shirt (technical t-shirt for Marathon and 10K), fantastic goody bag, race information pack, electronic timing (Marathon and 10K only), complimentary post-race food, transport to the Start (Marathon only) and a fantastic festival at the Finish.  Please visit the Event Info for a complete list of what each event includes.

Is it possible to defer my entry over to the following year if for example I am injured or unable to run for other reasons?
As stated on the terms and conditions of entry, we are sorry but we do not operate a deferment system, so we regret it is not possible to defer your entry to another year. We will however make sure you are one of the first to know when entry opens for the following year.

I do not have an email address – how will I know my entry has been accepted?
Successful applicants will receive confirmation by email ONLY so please check your bank statement for confirmation of entry if you do not have an email address.   Please check this website for all race information which will be updated regularly.

Are baby strollers, prams, pushchairs allowed in any of the races?
We do not allow baby strollers, prams and pushchairs in the Marathon or 10K due to safety reasons. They are allowed in the 5K Fun Run only.

Can wheelchair users enter the marathon?
We’re really sorry but we do not have a wheelchair race within either our marathon or 10K races due to safety and logistical reasons, however this is something we would like to look at introducing in the future. You can however enter the 5K Fun Run.

I live overseas and will already be in the UK / Scotland when you send out race packs?
With overseas entries, we ask that overseas runners collect their race packs during pre-race registration at Bught Park, Inverness.
Marathon runners have to register pre-race to collect their race number and timing tag.  For 10K runners we are only sending race packs out to runners with a UK address.   All race information is available on our website.

How do I get to Inverness and Loch Ness?
Please visit the Your Visit section on the website which lists details of airlines, trains, coaches and hire companies serving Inverness.

When will I receive my race pack, race number etc?
Marathon runners will receive their race information pack in the summer. Please note this is an information pack only and all marathon runners must collect their race number and timing tag during pre-race registration the day before the event at Bught Park, Inverness.

10K runners living in the UK will receive their race information pack containing their race number and timing chip by post in September. There is no pre-race registration for 10K runners.

10K runners living overseas must collect their race number and timing chip during pre-race registration at Bught Park, Inverness.

Which is the nearest airport?
Inverness is the nearest airport served by excellent air links from most major UK airports. Please see the Your Visit section on the website for details of which airlines fly to Inverness.

Is there a minimum amount required for fundraising?
You should contact your chosen charity direct to discuss their fundraising requirements. We ask that you do the best you can. Many charities and organisations will directly benefit from the funds raised by the Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running.

Do I have to fundraise?
Whilst fundraising is not compulsory, we do ask that all runners to consider raising money for one of our official charities.  Small amounts make a big difference, and the monies raised by the Loch Ness Marathon will directly benefit hundreds of lives across the UK.

Where can I stay? What is there to do in the area?
Please look the Your Visit section on the website which gives full details of the range of accommodation available and what to see and do in the area.

We are once again offering runners an accommodation booking service.  You can choose from a range of 2, 3 and 4 star hotels, guest houses and self service apartments throughout Inverness, Fort Augustus and Drumnadrochit on Loch Ness, as well as in the surrounding area.  Many are within easy walking distance of the Event Village in Inverness.

For further details and to book your accommodation please visit http://www.eventsinpartnership.com/reg/lochnesshotels.

Where can my friends and family watch me run?
The best area to watch the race is in and around the town centre of Inverness.  We encourage you all to come and support all runners at the finish, where there will be family entertainment to keep you busy!

Can I be supported by bike along the route?
In the past we have had a number of complaints from runners who found it extremely demoralizing running alongside other runners who were being given support and refreshments by bike.  Should you decide to be supported in this way, we would ask you to be extremely considerate to the effect this can have on other runners, and aware of the potential safety hazards this can cause, particularly with other runners and safety/official vehicles.

What happens at the Pasta Party?
The Pasta Party takes place on Saturday at Bught Park during pre-race registration. It involves live Scottish music and other entertainment and is geared up for all ages so bring your friends and family. Most importantly, it involves eating vast quantities of food in preparation for the next day! Tickets cost £10 each (non-refundable).   We recommend you purchase your Pasta Party tickets in advance online as a limited amount will be available on race day.

I ordered a Pasta Party ticket but have not received it yet, what should I do?
You collect your pasta party tickets at pre-race registration on Saturday at the Bught Park.

How many drink stations are there on the marathon and 10K route?
Further information on drink stations can be found under Event Info for each race.

Have the marathon and 10K routes been measured accurately?
The marathon and 10K route has been accurately measured by both a qualified Scottish Athletics measurer and AIMS (Association of International Marathons) route measurer.

What activities are there in the Inverness and Loch Ness area to keep friends and family busy?
Why not take part in one of our other races – the River Ness 10K,  10K Corporate Challenge, River Ness 5K Fun Run or Wee Nessie?  All supporters are invited to the Event Village on race day, where there is a carnival atmosphere with live music,  fun family activities, a food and drink fayre and much more!

Is there pre-race registration?
Pre-race registration for the Marathon will take place on Saturday at Bught Park, Inverness. All marathon runners must collect their race number and timing chip.

There is no pre-race registration for the River Ness 10K as runners will receive their race number, timing chip and race pack by post in advance.

5K runners must attend pre-race registration to collect their race number.

The Pasta Party takes place during pre-race registration on Saturday at Bught Park, with live music and family entertainment. Cost £10 per person (three course meal)

I cannot make the pre registration, can I register on the day?
We do not encourage registrations on the day of the marathon due to time constraints but we will cater for a small number of late registrations in situations like yours early on Sunday morning. Registration will be open between 0645-0730 at the Event Village at Bught Park prior to boarding the buses at 0745.

Is it possible to enter on Race Day?
We’re afraid there are absolutely no entries on race day for the marathon or 10K/10K Corporate Challenge due to the practicalities of planning for a fixed number of participants.   A limited number of race day entries are available for the 5K Fun Run.  Wee Nessie entries are also available over race weekend.

Can I book a place on the bus from Fort Augustus?
Please email us at info@lochnessmarathon.com to book your place on the bus.  The bus departs Fort Augustus tourist information at 08.40am on Sunday morning. Please ensure you arrive in plenty of time. Please note we do not organise return transport to Fort Augustus after the race.

Can I book a place on the bus from Drumnadrochit?
Please email us at info@lochnessmarathon.com to book your place on the bus.  The bus departs Drumnadrochit tourist information at 08.15am on Sunday morning. Please ensure you arrive in plenty of time. Please note we do not organise return transport to Drumnadrochit after the race.

I have to withdraw from the race, what do I do?
If for any reason you cannot take part, you can log back in to your entry and “cancel”, or alternatively you can email us at info@lochnessmarathon to let us know.   We will make sure you are one of the first to know when entry opens for 2013.

I am a slow runner, can I still take part?
 We welcome all runners to take part in the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running – we also have a few walkers! The marathon begins at 10:00 and the course begins to close from 16:30 and if you think that you will take longer, we ask you to use the pavements at the side of the road, especially through Inverness town centre.

I have missed the deadline for guaranteed marathon entry, what should I do?
Guaranteed marathon entry closes on 1 July 2012 and after this date we can only accept entries from club and overseas runners as well as via our official event charities.  If you would like to take a charity place in the event, please contact you chosen charity direct – www.lochnessmarathon.com/run-for-charity

How do I get to the marathon start?
There is no vehicle access for runners to be dropped off at the marathon start due to both safety and logistical reasons. There is no parking facility at the start area. We also start to close the roads very early prior to the race, which makes dropping off runners impractical.

Buses depart from Inverness Bught Park at 0745, and also from Drumnadrochit Tourist Information at 0815 and from Fort Augustus Tourist Information at 0840. If you require pick-up from either Drumnadrochit or Fort Augustus please email us. Please note that we do not organise return transport after the race.

Are overseas runners welcome to participate?
We are happy to welcome overseas runners to the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon, and runners from overseas are guaranteed entry in the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon.  Overseas runners make up, on average, ten percent of our total race entry and come from all corners of the world!