Loch Ness Marathon makes its return this weekend

Taking place on Sunday 3rd October, the festival incorporates the marathon, Baxters River Ness 10K, 10K Corporate Challenge and Baxters River Ness 5K.

4,900 people have signed up to the 2021 marathon. Of which, 45.7% are from outside Scotland and 12.5% are from overseas. 1,780 have signed up for the Baxters River Ness 10K and 10K Corporate Challenge, and 900 have signed up for the Baxters River Ness 5K.

The weekend includes the return of the Event Village on Saturday and Sunday, with highlights including a Sports Expo and a Festival on race day with street food and pipers. Places for the Baxters River Ness 5K will be available during registration on a first come, first served basis.

The marathon follows a spectacular route alongside the world-famous Loch Ness, starting between Fort Augustus and Whitebridge, along the south-eastern shores of Loch Ness and across the River Ness before crossing the finish line in the Highland capital of Inverness.

Malcolm Sutherland, Event & Race Director of Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running, said: “We are so excited to finally welcome back runners to Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running! This marathon is known as one of the most scenic in the world and this is evidenced by the number of runners coming from near and far to experience it.

“Of course, we have thorough Covid safety measures in place following Scottish Government guidelines. A Covid guide and an information video have now been sent to all participants and we appreciate everyone’s support in adhering to this guidance.

“In addition, we’d like to thank everyone involved in helping us put on this event; from our stakeholders, sponsors, our 400 volunteers, the communities along the routes, our charities, and most importantly, our runners. Good luck to you all!”

Audrey Baxter, Executive Chairman & Group CEO at Baxters, said: “It’s great to see the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running back and this is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the whole team behind the event to make it happen. We wish everyone taking part the best of luck and would encourage everyone to enjoy the Highland hospitality on offer as you cross the finish line.”

Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events, said: “We are delighted to once again be supporting the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running. With events starting to return across Scotland, it’s great to see this much-loved bucket list event take place once again. I hope everyone has a great weekend and enjoys being back in this beautiful part of the world with fellow running enthusiasts. Good luck to everyone involved!”

Ruby Limbrick, Senior Challenge Events Programme Manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, added: “We’ve been blown away by the fantastic fundraising efforts of everyone taking part in the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running. So far, we have raised an incredible [GBP] 30,500 before the event has even taken place. We look forward to cheering on all the participants this weekend for every penny raised, which is so crucial for helping us continue to do whatever it takes to support people living with cancer.”

To ensure the safety of participants and general public, there will be some temporary traffic restrictions in place over the event weekend.