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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

The good:
1. Five-star weather: PR-level in the low 50s, with a mix of sun and clouds, a few brief showers, and light wind.
2. Friendly volunteers and staff.
3. OK pasta dinner. Lots of folks to mingle with. A bit overpriced.
4. Scenic route. Undulating roads through quaint villages. Lots of views of the Loch, including the ancient castle. Not easy, but not too difficult. Finish in a track in front of cheering crowds.

The bad:

1. Delay of nearly an hour due to buses breaking down to transport. Can be avoided - see below.
2. Handed out full bottles of water and sports drink at each station. An incredible waste of money and an environmental concern. Can be avoided.
3. Cotton t-shirt. Remember the modern running adage: cotton is rotten. Even Boston is giving microfiber now.

A solution:

1. Start and finish the marathon at the Queens Park Stadium. Loop along the same route. There are alternate roads to re-enter Inverness. This would eliminate the expense of the buses and prevent the chance of another late start.
2. Use disposable paper cups for water and sports drink. Most runners take only a few sips from each cup. This would save a lot of money and would be much kinder to the environment.
3. By implementing the first two suggestions, this should save about £10 per person. This savings could be passed on to the runners by providing a technical (microfiber) t-shirt (often Brooks or Asics will give volume discounts), lowering the cost of the pasta dinner, and/or improving the finisher's medal.

All in all, the marathon was a wonderful experience. The Scots are terrific hosts and lovely people.

This was my first marathon and I am one of the slow people. I finished in seven hours and thought that it was a great course for walkers/slow runners (even though it was a bit hilly). They had drinks at every station and even the massage people were still there when I was finished (thank goodness!). Everyone was friendly and very supportive.

The weather was perfect this year - a nice, sunny and cool day.

I have done this race twice now! The first was in 2007, and it was also my first marathon. The course is great - scenic, with some breathtaking views over the Loch. The hills on the course never seem to let up but they eventually let you get into your stride around the 18th mile! There's nothing like breaking you in gently. This was my fifth marathon, and due to the cooler temperatures of the time of year, I managed to get a P.B. of 3:23. Also, I guess the knowledge of the course and my hill-training combined to give me a better performance.

The support was great the last few miles and also through some of the smaller towns.

I would recommend this race to anyone who's sick of the big-city, overcrowded marathons.

The only bad point this year had to do with the transport company failing in some way, making the start delayed by 50 minutes.

Do it! You will never regret it!