Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running | Loch Ness Marathon

Provisional timetable

Saturday

• 10:00-18:00 | Pre-race registration at Event Village, Bught Park, Inverness IV3 5SQ (Wee Nessie, 5K, 10K and marathon)

Sunday

• 07:30-09:00 | Pre-race registration at Event Village, Bught Park, Inverness IV3 5SQ (5K and Wee Nessie only)
• 08:30-10:00 | Pre-race registration at Event Village, Bught Park, Inverness IV3 5SQ (10K only)

10K Corporate Challenge

The Corporate Challenge is a fun team-building opportunity:

• Open to all sectors of business and industry in the public and private sector
• Teams must contain a minimum of 4 runners and a maximum of 6 runners; incomplete teams cannot be accepted
• Times of the fastest four combine to make the team’s final score
• Prizes are awarded according to the accumulated results of the fastest four runners in each team
• Companies are welcome to enter more than one team
• All entries must be from bona fide employees of the company; an employee cannot be entered into more than one team
• Each team must nominate a team captain who will be responsible for entering their team online

 Rally your work mates and sign up today!

GPX route

The route is displayed on the map above.

Overview

The Loch Ness Marathon follows a spectacular point-to-point route alongside world-famous Loch Ness, starting in an atmospheric moorland setting and continuing 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.

Map

Cut off

7 hours.

The Loch Ness Marathon is a running event and all runners are welcome. The 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, you are asked to use the pavement through Inverness. Participants still on the course after the cut-off time continue at their own risk.

Water/feed stations

Being well hydrated and drinking little and often is essential for achieving your best performance. There are seven water stations along the marathon course, water will be provided in 330ml recyclable plastic bottles with sports caps. There will be four gel stations along the marathon route providing High5 Energy Gels.

Event HQ

Bught Park
Bught Road
Inverness
Highland
IV3 5SQ
UK

Make a weekend of it

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 and Drink Fayre, live music, kids’ activities and a Wee Nessie for under-5s.

Parking

There is no parking at Bught Park.

Saturday

Public car parks include:

• 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

Public car parks include:

• 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 (5 min walk to marathon bus pick up point)

Included

• Finisher's technical t-shirt
• Finisher's medal
• Goody bag
• Post-race food
• Electronic timing
• Downloadable finisher's certificate
• Water stations along the route
• Coach transport to marathon start
• Baggage transfer from start to finish
• Fantastic festival at the finish

Optional extras

• Massage - Saturday and Sunday

5 stars doesn't even come close to how good Loch Ness Marathon is! Loved by all and a jewel in the crown of Scottish road running. I would recommend it to all.

 Loch Ness vs London. There is no contest. I know I would rather take the scenic route.

First time 10K run. Loved every minute and can’t wait for next year’s race. Scott S

My first Loch Ness marathon and I absolutely loved it. From the expo to the marshalls, the medal to the soup, it was all fantastic. I’ve completed 24 marathons now and this one has got to be up there at the top for me. Even with all of the upward flats! Just beautiful. Katie K

The organisation was well done as always. Getting all the runners in their estimated time lineup at start was clear for all. Course was great with amazing volunteers (support staff) around the course cheering us all on. Once again fantastic volunteers (support staff at the finish. Easy to filter through at the end. Everyone as always so helpful and friendly. Already on my race calendar for 2026. Ailsa R

First ever marathon! Really well organised event with impressive logistics to get everyone to the start. Great atmosphere and as for the scenery… it speaks for itself. Already booked 2026 as my second and looking forward to everything bar that hill…😬 Gareth W

Participated for my first 10K event - from the lead up to the event, to organisation pre and post run, everything was planned meticulously. Support through was exceptional and a hugely successful event for participants and spectators - I will be back! Audrey A

From start to finish, I really enjoyed the marathon experience. When things were getting tough after mile 19 🥵 I was encouraged along by one of the cycling volunteers. She rode alongside me for at least 2 miles, keeping me going and telling me I could do it. And I did 😊 I wouldn’t change a thing, everyone was so helpful and pleasant. Francis M

This is a great race. Highly recommended. George D

Such a wonderfully inclusive event. The care taken of all runners is fantastic. Absolute well oiled logistically spectacular machine! Pet C

My third Loch Ness Marathon. Just cannot fault it. The way the locals support this event makes it what it is. Superb. An iconic event that is something you will never forget. Robert N

Reviews thanks to RaceCheck

This event is committed to being as sustainable as possible and minimising its environmental impact. There are many ways the event eliminates waste and reduces its environmental impact as outlined in the sustainability policy.

Entry fees