River Ness 5K

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

If you’re new to running or looking for a shorter distance, the popular Baxters River Ness 5K could be the race for you. Open to runners of all ages and abilities including wheelchair entrants, the 5K follows a flat route by scenic River Ness to finish alongside other races at Bught Park, Inverness.

Whatever your running ability, fitness level, age or experience, if you enter the Baxters River Ness 5K, we guarantee you’ll cross the finish line with a smile on your face!

Map

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 soup and roll
• Water at the finish
• Fantastic festival at the finish

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.

Entries 'on the day'

A limited number of race weekend entries for the River Ness 5K are available during registration on Saturday 10.00-18.00 and Sunday 08.00-09.30, subject to race capacity, however you are advised to enter online in advance if possible.

Age

The River Ness 5K is open to all ages. All children aged 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Buggies

Buggies are allowed on the 5K course, and you will be required to complete separate entries for yourself and your child. This is for safety reasons so that there's a record of everyone who is out on the course, and to allow us to provide t-shirts and medals for everyone that takes part. Runners/walkers with buggies are required to start at the back of the field for safety reasons.

Teams

All schools, youth clubs/organisations and disability groups are eligible to enter teams into the 5K and receive reduced entry fees of £10 for each participant. The minimum number of team members is 4.

Entry fees