calendar icon Oct 31, 2024

Marathon Details - Loch Ness Marathon

International Marathons > United Kingdom > Inverness, Highlands > Loch Ness Marathon

Loch Ness Marathon

Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & 10K, 10K Corporate Challenge, 5K

location icon Inverness, Highlands, United Kingdom

calendar icon September 28, 2025

calendar icon http://www.lochnessmarathon.com

new icon News  

Marathon Results

By Year: 2024   2023   2022   2021   2019   2018   2017   2016   2015   2014   2013   2012   2011   2010   2009   2008   2007   2006   Top 3 Finishers

Race Details

Take part in an unforgettable marathon experience, running beside the iconic Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands. The Baxters Loch Ness Marathon on 28 September 2025 follows a spectacular route alongside world famous Loch Ness and is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful marathons in the world. The point to point route starts in a spectacular moorland setting and takes you through stunning scenery alongside the loch and the River Ness, to finish in the Highland capital of Inverness. Whether you're a runner or a spectator, there's plenty to keep you entertained over the weekend with an expo, runners' cafe, street food, live music, pipes & drums and family friendly activities. There's also the Baxters River Ness 10K and 5K, both races follow flat routes alongside the river in Inverness and are perfect for PB chasers and first timers alike. A 10K Corporate Challenge and a Wee Nessie kids' race completes the Festival of Running. Why not make a Highland weekend of it and come with family or friends? The area is steeped in history, home to castles, whisky distilleries, beaches, lochs and mountains. Activities in the local area range from golf, dolphin spotting trips and, of course, Nessie spotting! With a choice of race distances and the festival atmosphere, the Festival of Running offers an amazing experience. But don't just take our word for it.... "The 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!" 2024 Runner

Contact Information

Name: Events Assistant
Address: Loch Ness Marathon
PO Box 26
Muir of Ord
IV6 7WZ
UK
Phone Number:  07549331473
Email: Email the organizers

More Information

Number of Runners: 8,000
Number of Spectators: 8,000
Fees & Deadlines: Marathon: Early Bird Regular Entry: £69.00 Early Bird Scottish Athletics Member: £67.00 Early Bird entry closes on 30 November 2024 Regular entry: £74.00 SA member entry: £72.00 All entries close 21 September 2025
Start Time: 10:00 AM
Course Highlights: There are great marathons around the world, many of them marked by their settings, and Loch Ness ranks right alongside them. The point-to-point route begins in an atmospheric location and continues through breathtaking scenery, taking you along the shores of Loch Ness, across the River Ness, and into the Highland capital of Inverness. Highlights include a festival on race day with pipes & drums, live music, kids' activities, Baxters Food Fayre and renowned Scottish Highland hospitality.
Course Refreshments: Water and energy drinks; gels
Certified? Certification: Yes, IAAF certified
Race Day Registration: Saturday 27 September 2025
Online Registration: www.lochnessmarathon.com
Packet Pickup Info: Pre-race registration takes place at Bught Park, Inverness on Saturday 27 September. No race weekend entry for marathon or 10K.
Marathon Ratings: Course Scenery/Beauty/Interest:
Good for First Timers:
Crowd Support:
Course Speed:

Runner Reviews (31)

Course Rating Course 4.5 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.5 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 3.5 
 
 
Number of comments: 31 [displaying comments 1 to 11]
More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]

 

M. E. from Taastrup, Denmark (10/11/2019)
"Amazing race" (about: 2019)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Loch Ness Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 2


Just an amazing race, with a fantastic scenery. Loved the highlands and the myth of Loch Ness. The weather was perfect for a race. Remember that it's windy at the start, but a mile you can't feels it anymore.

Did a PR, don't know how - maybe all the down hill.

 

T. D. from Toronto Canada (9/27/2017)
"Scenic, challenging run" (about: 2017)

11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


Challenging hilly marathon with scenic views of the highlands, excellent support, felt safe on route. Spectators were enthusiastic, providing snacks and encouragement. Water stations and clif bar stops were well spaced and plentiful.

 

R. D. from Cincinnati, OH USA (10/16/2013)
"Amazing is an over-used word, but appropriate" (about: 2013)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Loch Ness Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 2


Great organization! Great medal! Great communication up to and during race weekend! Train for hills and you won't have a problem. Put this one on your bucket list and work at crossing it off! Not a spectator rich course, but the people that were there were fantastic!

 

J. P. from Saratoga Springs, New York (10/3/2012)
"Scenery is second to none" (about: 2012)

2 previous marathons | 1 Loch Ness Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


Considerable time, money, and energy went into running this race as an overseas participant, and I could not be more pleased having decided to run this race. The scenery is just extraordinary, which alone is well worth all the training. The people and the ambiance were fabulous throughout the entire weekend, and the crowd support was wonderful where present. Miles 19-21 are a great challenge considering the Dores hill, but can be managed through proper training. Inverness was a wonderful place to visit - I plan to return next year. Two caveats: one, the buses arrived with very little time before the start of the race creating some pandemonium. Two, some more toilets would have been much welcomed between miles 8 - 22. I enthusiastically recommend running the Loch Ness Marathon!

 

g. l. from n. ireland (10/3/2012)
"a gorgeous setting for a run" (about: 2012)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Loch Ness Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


The setting for this run is amazing. The start was on a hillside which felt like the middle of nowhere. There were as many toilets as could be fitted into the area available. The course is tough there are a few hills and one at 18ish mile that felt like it would never finish. I have nothing but praise for the marshals and the medical staff I had a short stop in the first aid tent after the finish and they were brilliant. It is one that I would consider again.

 

B. O. from Ireland (10/1/2012)
"Scenic, well-organised & worth repeating" (about: 2012)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Loch Ness Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


Did this run with my 2 sons. Perfect weather (lucky it wasn't held the day before!) and stunning scenery. Sufficient water/food stops and as many toilets as they could pack into the start area in the middle of the Highlands. A tough course. The hill at mile 18 is a killer. The bus/transport arrangements to the start worked well.
Inverness was a pleasant town, well worth a visit. Would consider doing this one again.

 

L. J. from Scotland (10/3/2011)
"Definitely worth it" (about: 2011)

First Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 3


The experience of running across the undulating terrain through rain, hail and shine was amazing. The encouragement from fellow runners, spectators and the very warm welcome across the finish line was fantastic. That said though, this was a tough run...there are some long and unforgiving hills along the way so be prepared!

 

T. H. from PA (10/16/2010)
"Awesome experience" (about: 2010)

1 previous marathon | 1 Loch Ness Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


This was my first marathon and it was incredible! Despite being quite challenging due to the hills (a steep one at mile 5 and a nearly 2-mile-long one about mile 19), I still managed to finish with a time I'm quite proud of. Beautiful scenery, great organization, and plenty of friendly and smiling faces at the water stations. Nice event village at the end of the race including massage/food/drink, etc. Great to see so many runners supporting charities. Love my medal and t-shirt!! Traveled all the way from PA but will definitely do it again someday!

 

L. E. from Edinburgh Scotland (10/8/2010)
"Beautiful, scenic course!" (about: 2010)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Loch Ness Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


Loch Ness is a very hilly race on a challenging course. The scenery is absolutely spectacular so that makes up for the pain of the hills. The hill that starts just before mile 19 I found to be the biggest challenge, but the course levels out again around mile 21. Not many spectators due to the nature of the course; I'm glad that I had my music with me. This marathon has been on my wish list for a long time and I'm so happy that I've now done it. Didn't see Nessie though!

 

M. H. from Edinburgh, Scotland (6/7/2010)
"Tough, hilly marathon in a quiet, rural area" (about: 2009)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Loch Ness Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 2


This marathon averages out as downhill in the first half, but it has so many ups and downs that it's very tough on your legs. Then there's one big hill at 18 miles or so. It's run on a point-to-point course. It's a good marathon that might be in danger of out-growing itself. In 2009 there was a snarl up with the busses and the race started late.

 

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]

 
 
Getting ready for this event? Get a personalized adaptive training plan and 1:1 coach assistance. Get Your Plan
 

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor




Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor