Introduction

The Loch Ness Marathon might not be for every runner just yet, as many runners will need to build themselves up to the distance it covers. That’s why we deliver a fantastic shorter option in the form of the Baxters River Ness 10K.

It is a flat course that boasts a scenic route and a chance to enjoy running over a shorter distance. It will take place on 30th September 2012 and can be an ideal introduction for new runners, whilst still providing a good challenge for club runners and other seasoned runners.

Essentially, the Baxters River Ness 10K winds through the historic Highland capital of Inverness, on past the Castle and along the banks of the picturesque River Ness. It is also very well organised, which allows the runners to go at their own speeds and without having to worry about race ‘traffic’.

We are delighted to widen the options for people to take part in our events, and welcome the many visitors we get, who want to sample the unique scenic setting whilst enjoying their running.

Don’t miss out on your chance to take part in the Baxters River Ness 10K, and discover a new level to indulge your ambition to get running.

Photo Gallery

When does it start?

The River Ness 10K starts at 10.45am on Sunday 30 September 2012 on the south side of Inverness and it will finish along the River Ness at the Bught Park in the centre of Inverness.

The Route

The start is on Culduthel Avenue (near junction with Culduthel Road B681). From the start, the route travels up Culduthel Road turning right on to the Southern Distributor Road and continuing on the Southern Distributor Road before turning left on to Essich Road and turning right down Torbreck Road before arriving at the t-junction on the Dores Road (B862). (From Torbreck Road/ B862 junction, the route follows same route as the Loch Ness Marathon to the finish). Turning right onto Dores road, the route continues along the same road directly into the heart of Inverness, turning left into Cavell Gardens, following Ness Bank and Castle Road and turning left over main town road bridge, and left again immediately after the bridge into Ness Walk. The route continues along the edge of the River Ness to the finish at the Bught Park in the centre of Inverness.

Please click on the map to enlarge.

View 10K profile here.

IMPORTANT: Runners must keep in the left hand lane at all times. The organisers reserve the right to alter the route if operationally required.

What's Included?

Entry Fees include online charges and:

• Finishers technical t-shirt
• Finishers medal
• Goody bag
• Post-race soup and roll
• Electronic timing
• Downloadable Finishers Certificate
• Highland Spring stations on the route
• Energy Drink and Highland Spring at the Finish/Event Village
• Baggage transfer from the Start to Finish
• Transport back to the Start (post event)
• Loch Ness Marathon magazine (emailed to overseas entrants)
• Fantastic festival at the Finish including live music, fun family activities and a food and drink fayre
• Route on closed roads

How to Enter

Entry to the 2012 Baxters River Ness 10K is now open. The 10K is open to runners aged 15 and over on day of race. This event is not suitable for wheelchair entrants.

Please note there are absolutely no race day entries for the 10K, and strictly no transfers between races or transfer of places to another runner. We do not operate a deferment system.

Confirmation of Entry

Successful applicants will receive confirmation on receipt of payment, by email ONLY, so please include your email address when entering. If you do not have access to email, please check your bank statement for confirmation of race entry.

Please note that your race information packs containing your race number, timing chip and other relevant items will be sent to 10K runners in September. The only other communication you will receive is from the e-newsletters.

Race Weekend Timings

Saturday 29 September
12.30-18.00    Baxters Pasta Party – all runners, friends and family welcome!

Sunday 30 September
09.00-10.00   Runners arrive at Inverness Royal Academy, Culduthel Avenue, Inverness, IV2 6RE (see 10K route map or visit google maps). Parking is available at the Inverness Royal Academy. However we encourage that all runners are dropped off if possible.
10.00-16.00 Festival of Running at Bught Park open to public
10.45    Start of Baxters River Ness 10K
12.30    Prize-Giving at Bught Park
12.30-15.00    Free shuttle bus service from Bught Park back to Inverness Royal Academy (for those who need to collect their cars)

Pre-Race Registration

There is no pre-race registration for the 10K, as all 10K runners with a UK address will receive their race number, timing hip, safety pins and baggage label by post in advance in September. All 10K runners and supporters are welcome at the Baxters Pasta Party.

Overseas runners ONLY must collect their race pack during pre-race registration at the Bught Park on Saturday 29 September.

The Start

Your race number will correspond to where you stand for the start of the race (e.g Race No. 4187 starts from pen marked 3901-4200).

Please follow the signage to take up position in your allocated start area and listen to marshal instructions carefully. Finally, please respect other runners and be considerate to them by allowing overtaking within the first 2km.

IMPORTANT: The start and route are in close proximity to residents’ houses, so the race organisers would ask that all runners be sensitive about noise levels, rubbish disposal, listen to marshals instructions, and use only the Portaloos provided. As we’re sure you would expect, we do not tolerate antisocial behaviour.

Timing

We will be using a timing D-tag in the 10K. This will be attached to your race number.

Drink Stations

Highland Spring is our official water sponsor. We would like to thank them and our volunteers for providing two drink stations along the route. Each water station will be clearly signed and will be on the left hand side of the road. Highland Spring water will be provided in 33cl bottles and are located as follows:

• 5.6 km Highland Spring water
• 8.2 km Highland Spring water

Toilets

There are Portaloos and toilets at Inverness Royal Academy and at approx. the 5K mark.

Race Day

On the day of the race, runners are asked to make their own way to the Inverness Royal Academy, prior to the Start of the race. Parking is available. However, we would encourage you to car share where possible or be dropped off to avoid the need for transportation back to the Start after the race. (A free shuttle bus is available to take you from Bught Park to collect your car).

Kilometre Markers

There are ascending Kilometre markers along the route.

Road Closures

We have priority on all roads along the route. However, please keep to the left hand side of the road at all times as it might be necessary for emergency and officials’ vehicles to travel along the route.

The Finish

The Finish is along the River Ness at Bught Park. Here you will be presented with your finisher’s medal, t-shirt and fantastic goodie bag. All 10K finishers also receive complimentary Baxters soup and a roll. Showers and changing facilities are available. Massage is also available for a small donation to charity.

Festival on Race Day

We are planning a fantastic line-up of entertainment and activities at the Finish at Bught Park – open to the public from 10.00-16.00 – with massed pipes & drums, bands, charity and sports retailer stands, the Baxters Food & Drink Fayre, kid’s activities, and great highland hospitality.

Marathon-Photos.com

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 as exclusive photo products. Plus every competitor will be able to download for FREE their Event Certificate.
http://www.marathon-photos.com/

Spectators

The final 4K through Inverness city centre provide the best vantage points for spectators. We would encourage all spectators to come to the Bught Park and enjoy our Festival atmosphere!

Volunteers

We need your help! Volunteers are needed to undertake a variety of tasks including: assisting at drink stations; helping at the finish line and many other key tasks.

Please visit our Volunteers page for more information.

Baxters Pasta Party

Find out about our Baxters Pasta Party for all runners, family and friends!