Please note final event information may be subject to change and will be available nearer the event date.
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 is on the bucket list for so 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 we had from our runners in the past so why not come 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.
Why not make a Highland weekend of it and come with family or friends? There’s plenty to entertain runners and spectators over the weekend with a free Sports Expo, Baxters Food & Drink Fayre, live music, kids’ activities and a Wee Nessie for under-5s.
The Marathon will start on the high ground between Fort Augustus and Foyers (B862) and will drop down to the banks of Loch Ness at Foyers (B852). 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 (B862), 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.
Runners at the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon are taking on the challenge for many reasons: to achieve their own personal goals, raise money for good causes or simply to run one of the UK’s most popular marathons renowned for its scenery, atmosphere and warm Highland welcome.
“ This year’s Loch Ness Marathon was my first ever marathon and it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. Don’t just think about it… do it. ”
All marathon runners are transported by bus to the marathon start from Inverness Ice Centre on Bught Drive, Inverness IV3 5SR. This is a 10-minute walk from the Event Village. Please arrive between 07.00-07.30. Buses depart from 07.30-07.50 and the journey takes around one hour. You do NOT need to pre-book the bus from Inverness.
For those staying around Loch Ness, buses will pick up from the following locations. Pre-booking is essential. Please email [email protected] by 23 September to book your place. Return transport is not provided to these locations after the race.
Being well hydrated and drinking little and often is essential for achieving your best performance. There are 7 water stations along the marathon course, water will be provided in 330ml recyclable plastic bottles.
There will be 4 gel stations along the marathon route providing High5 Energy Gels.
Wearing headphones or earphones is NOT permitted in any of the races under Scottish and UK Athletics rules.
We DO allow the use of headphones or earphones that use bone conductor technology, which allow the wearer to be aware of their surroundings. However, this is at your own risk and if an incident occurs as a result of, or made worse by, you wearing these headphones or earphones you may be held liable.
Race numbers are allocated for all races in early September, and will be posted on our website. All runners will be advised of this and how to collect their race pack by email.
Marathon runners collect their race pack (including timing tag and baggage label) at pre-race registration on Saturday 28 September 2024 at Event Village, Bught Park, Inverness IV3 5SQ between 10.00-18.00. Please ensure you bring photo ID with you.
Entry fee includes commemorative finisher’s medal, finisher’s technical t-shirt, goody bag, electronic timing, downloadable finisher’s certificate (from marathon photos live), water stations, High5 energy gel stations, complimentary post-race food, baggage transfer from start to finish, coach transport to the marathon start and a fantastic festival at the Finish.
We’re afraid there are absolutely no race weekend entries for the Loch Ness Marathon due to the practicalities of planning for a fixed number of participants. Entry for the marathon closes at midnight on 22 September 2024, subject to race capacity. There are limited race weekend entries for the River Ness 5K and Wee Nessie ONLY subject to race capacity.
You will have received a confirmation email at the time of registering, if this did not happen please contact us or you can log-in to MyActive to check your entry.
If you are no longer able to participate, it is possible to transfer your place to another runner. You can do this by logging into your entry through My Events. Please note it is your responsibility to find a replacement runner and the transfer of place must be completed by 31 August 2024. Once the new runner has claimed the transfer and paid the full entry fee online, you will automatically be issued with a refund, minus the transfer fee.
If you are interested in taking part in another race you can still register online until midnight on 22 September 2024, but you will have to pay the registration fee. This is subject to change if race capacity is reached.
Please note: Never swap your race number with any other runner, as this could cause problems for our medical teams and results service. If race organisers become aware of anyone who swaps their race number they will be disqualified and reported to Scottish Athletics.
The Baxters Loch Ness Marathon can offer a limited number of free entries for elite runners who have achieved the standards specified here within the 24 months prior to the race, which takes place on 29 September 2024. Times must have been recorded in a licensed race with accredited course measurement.
If you have achieved these standards and are interested in taking part in the race, please contact us at [email protected]
Please give your name, age, email address, club name and details of where and when you have achieved the standards.
Applications will be considered up to 22 September 2024, but we have a limited number of elite places available so, having the standard does not guarantee anyone a free entry.
Pre-race registration for Marathon takes place 10.00-18.00 on Saturday 28 September 2024 at Event Village, Bught Park, Inverness, IV3 5SQ.
All marathon runners must collect their race pack (including timing chip and baggage label). Please ensure you bring photo ID with you.
If you are unable to attend Registration and wish to send a friend or relative to collect your event pack on your behalf, they must bring a form of photo ID for themselves as well as a signed letter of authorisation from you confirming they are authorised to collect on your behalf. Template letter available here.
If you are unable to attend Registration and wish to send a friend or relative to collect your event pack on your behalf, they must bring a form of photo ID for themselves as well as a signed letter of authorisation from you confirming they are authorised to collect on your behalf. Template letter available here.
Yes, there are portable toilets at the start and at every water station along the marathon route, see route map for locations. There are also portable toilets at the Event Village and the bus departure point.
The Loch Ness Marathon is a running event and we welcome all runners. Our aim is to support every participant, whatever their pace, from start to finish and provide the best possible experience.
The Marathon starts at 10.00 and the race cut-off time is 7 hours at 17.00. In the interests of safety and to minimise the disruption to the local community and residents, roads along the final 3 miles in Inverness start to re-open from 16.30 and the finish line and Event Village start to be dismantled from 17.00. If you think that you will take longer than 6hr 30min, we ask you to use the pavement through Inverness. Participants still on the course after the cut-off time continue at their own risk.
For those participants who can no longer continue for physical or medical reasons, a sweep bus follows the rear of the field and will take you back to the Event Village in Inverness. Event Officials reserve the right to use their discretion to insist when runners get on the Sweep Bus.
A changing tent is available in the Event Village. We are sorry there are no showers available. Please note that showers/changing are NOT available within Inverness Leisure Centre.
Did you know post-race massage aids recovery, boosts circulation, removes lactic acid and promotes relaxation? Massage is available during registration on Saturday and after your race on Sunday at the Event Village. You’ll definitely deserve it!
The marathon route has been accurately measured by both a qualified Scottish Athletics measurer and AIMS (Association of International Marathons) route measurer.
We’re sorry but we do not have a wheelchair race within our marathon due to safety and logistical reasons. You can enter the River Ness 5K as a wheelchair entrant, please contact: [email protected] for more information.
For safety reasons, we do not allow runners in the marathon or 10K to take buggies onto any sections of the route.
Buggies are allowed in the 5K and are also welcome in the Wee Nessie, which is for pre-school age children (5 and under).
We welcome runners in fancy dress however we do reserve the right to prevent you from participating in any race if we consider that the fancy dress outfit may cause danger or risk of danger to you or other participants. We’re sorry but you can’t use roller skates, push a wheel barrow, pull a hand cart or use walking poles.
If you wish to retire at any point during the race, please approach one of our medical or marshal teams. First Aiders are located at every water station along the route. Please tell an event marshal or one of the medical team if you are wish to retire. If you are unable to complete the marathon, we will have a Sweep Bus to get you back to the Event Village and finish line.
Event Village, Bught Park: there is NO parking available at Bught Park. Parking is available at the following public car parks (refer to map on page 8), parking charges may apply. Where possible we recommend car sharing, using public transport or walking to the Event Village.
Highland Council HQ Car Park, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, IV3 5NX
Cathedral Car Park, Ness Walk, Inverness, IV3 5NN
Old Town Rose Street Multi- Storey, Farraline Park, Inverness, IV1 1NH
Eastgate Centre Multi-Storey Car Park, 11 Eastgate, Inverness IV2 3PP
Torvean Car Park, IV3 8JL accessed from roundabout opposite Premier Inn, Glenurquhart Road
Sunday
There is no parking at Event Village, Bught Park (location of bus departure point). Please consider walking where possible. Parking is available at the following public car parks, please note parking charges may apply.
Highland Council HQ Car Park, IV3 5NX (10min walk to marathon bus pick up point)
Torvean Car Park, IV3 8JL accessed from roundabout opposite Premier Inn, Glenurquhart Road (5min walk to marathon bus pick up point)
A drop off point is available on Glenurquhart Road between Ballifeary Lane and Bught Drive. There is no drop off at Bught Park this year due to ongoing construction works.
For supporters coming to Event Village: there is no parking available at Bught Park. Parking is available at public car parks (see above for Saturday), parking charges may apply.
Disabled parking is available at Bught Park, please note this is located on grass, approx. 400m from the Event Village. Please follow the signs to ‘VIP Parking’.
There is NO access or parking available at the Inverness Ice Centre, Inverness Leisure or Highland Rugby Club car parks.
Please be considerate towards local residents and businesses when parking around the Event Village.
We have teamed up with Marathon Photos Live, the leading event photography company in the world photographing over 700 mass participation events in over 35 countries. Every runner will find their photos and video within 24 to 48 hours after the event and can also download a FREE personalised Event Certificate.
Your official photos from the Loch Ness Marathon, 10K & 5K will be going LIVE from the moment you pass a MarathonPhotos Live photographer around the course. Share your race number with your friends and family and they can register here to be notified as soon as your first photos are available online. They can then see your progress throughout the run. They might even buy your photos and your video as a well-done gift before you’ve even crossed the finish line!
Don’t forget to share your photos and video on social media and with friends & family so they can share your achievent.
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