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 was voted in the top 10 UK marathons by Runner’s World readers in 2016 and is on the …
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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 was voted in the top 10 UK marathons by Runner’s World readers in 2016 and is on the bucket list for 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 2016 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.
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A beautiful running experience
Course Difficulty - moderate based on the course profile (a wee bit hilly), Scottish Highlands weather and an exposed starting area. Course Scenery - Beautifully rugged mountain surroundings at the … MORE
Course Difficulty – moderate based on the course profile (a wee bit hilly), Scottish Highlands weather and an exposed starting area.
Course Scenery – Beautifully rugged mountain surroundings at the start descends quickly into mix of pastures, forests and water while enjoying rolling country road course. Nature, runners and a sparse numbers of spectators (until the later stages when you approach Inversess) reminded me of the Big Sur Marathon.
Race Production: A seasoned race director and team delivered an excellent experience.
Race Swag – Medal, shirt, pre and post-race festivals were all very nice. A wonderful regional event.
Less fancy dress than I was expecting
I ran this in 2012 as my first marathon, finishing 8 seconds shy of my time goal. Obviously, a repeat performance was required. Sadly, I was about 17 minutes SLOWER … MORE
I ran this in 2012 as my first marathon, finishing 8 seconds shy of my time goal. Obviously, a repeat performance was required. Sadly, I was about 17 minutes SLOWER in 2013, but I attribute that to the 25 pound sled I was carrying (race report below for more details). FYI – when they say “no strollers”, it’s clearly to avoid babies being catapulted across the road.
The course starts with 5-6 miles downhill, which destroyed my quads the first time. I guess it never really crossed my mind that I should train for downhill sections. You should do this.
The rest of the course is ‘undulating’, with a noticeable hill after Dores at around mile 16/17/ You crest it (at least you think you do), but there’s on final incline before the crowd support starts trickling onto the radar, and you make your approach into Inverness.
Scenery is pretty good, though a lot is on a closed B road flanked by trees, through which you catch glimpses of the loch. There are porta-loos throughout, but if you can make it to Dores, wait for the pub and rest your cheeks on porcelain!
Crowd support is sparse until the final 3-4 miles, but you are never running on your own, as it’s one of Scotland’s biggest marathons. Aid stations are regular, but I stick anything in my mouth during a course, I can’t really comment on choice (though I seem to remember little).
The main kicker (other than the hill after Dores) is the 7am bus to the start line at Fort Augustus. The start time being 10:00. Take a leak before the bus (though there are porta-loos at the start and you will have time to use them). Also at the start line: bag drop – so wear warm layers and strip them off at the last possible moment.
There are massages at the end, but the wait is unholy. However, if you’re running for a charity, Macmillan have a massage table just for their runners. Worth hassling people at work for some donation cash, believe me!
I had signed up for my third year running (ho ho ho), but injury forced me to drop down to the 5k fun run, which will remain a low point in my life.
General weekend info: Inverness is in the ass end of nowhere, so allow plenty of travel time if you’re driving. You’ll probably need to arrive Saturday for packet pick-up (though they do allow some people to register early Sunday, it is not highly advertized). If you want to eat anywhere decent, book a restaurant ASAP. The week before the marathon is not a suitable time to try and find anywhere willing to accommodate you (no matter how much you beg), unless eating at 3pm or 10:30 pm is your style.
Oh, and the medal ain’t bad, but it hasn’t changed in years.