International runners are heading for Loch Ness Marathon

Thousands of runners are set to hit the road for 2018 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running.

The 17th annual event Baxters Loch Ness Marathon is set to take place on 23 September and early indications show that it’s set to be one of the biggest years yet with thousands of entries flooding in – including from as far afield as New Zealand, South Africa, Japan and Brazil.

Hosted by television and radio presenter Bryan Burnett, the two-day festival promises a packed family friendly agenda including the new Runner’s Café on Saturday 22 September, Baxters Food & Drink Fayre, live music and a range of other races suitable for those looking for an alternative to a full marathon.

The River Ness 10K and 5K follow a flat, point-to-point course through the historic Highland capital of Inverness alongside the banks of the picturesque River Ness, and are renowned for their personal best potential.

There’s also the Wee Nessie race, open to pre-school children aged five and under, that follows a short circular route in the enclosed Bught Park providing youngsters with the perfect introduction to the sport.

The Runners’ Café, new for 2018, will be open during Registration on Saturday, 22 September, from 10am-4pm and free for everyone to attend. Visitors are invited to grab a coffee, cake, Baxters Hearty soup or whatever takes their fancy from a number of street food vendors. They can also listen to Expo talks, chat with other runners from around the world and enjoy some traditional Scottish music.

Some of the stunning views which can be seen during the Loch Ness Marathon

Race director Malcolm Sutherland said: ‘With a little under six months left until this year’s Loch Ness Marathon 2018, the programme is really shaping up.

‘Marathon registrations are flooding in from across the UK and beyond with the furthest entries so far coming from New Zealand, South Africa, Japan and Brazil. This is a destination event with wide appeal, it grows in scale and popularity year on year with runners of all abilities and age groups represented, we’ve even got the Wee Nessie race for children under five-years-old.

‘Guaranteed entry is open now and we’d encourage all to come and join us.’

The Baxters Loch Ness Marathon, which has been shortlisted again for the 2018 Running Awards in the Best Marathon category – follows a spectacular point-to-point route alongside the world famous Loch Ness, starting in an atmospheric moorland setting between Fort Augustus and Foyers then continuing through stunning Highland scenery along the south-eastern shores of Loch Ness, across the River Ness, finishing in Inverness, capital city of the Highlands.

There are Highland Spring water stations along the route and at the finish, Clif Bar feed stations along the route, and a lively, un-missable Festival event at the finish.

Loch Ness Marathon also has a number of official charity running places with Macmillan Cancer Support as well as other selected charities, providing people with the opportunity to make their marathon count by fundraising for a good cause. There are lots to choose from and all of them are doing incredible work to help others and improve lives.

The Loch Ness Marathon is also home to Scotland’s only Expo dedicated to runners and will offer a great range of running products and offers from leading sports brands all weekend. There will also be free sampling, product trials, demos, prize draws and some marathon sized offers exclusively for Loch Ness runners.

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