4 races
Event overview
The Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running is a spectacular event with one of the world's most breathtaking marathons at its heart.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Loch Ness, this marathon is not only about the race but also about the experience, making it a must-visit for running enthusiasts. The festival combines picturesque scenery with a vibrant atmosphere, drawing runners from around the world.
Breathtakingly beautiful, friendly atmosphere, flawless organisation, felt like a festival not just a race.
Participants can choose from various distances to suit their preferences and abilities:
Festival highlights
Baxters Loch Ness Marathon
Point to point from one end of the loch to the other, finishing in the capital of the Highlands - Inverness.
The Baxters River Ness 10K
Offers a flat, scenic route through Inverness, ideal for those aiming for personal bests.
Corporate Challenge
If you prefer a team approach to sport, then this 10K for teams of 4-6 could be the ideal race for you.
Baxters River Ness 5K
For newcomers or those seeking a shorter distance, the Baxters River Ness 5K is open to all ages and abilities, including wheelchair entrants, finishing alongside other events at Bught Park.
Wee Nessie
Families can engage in the fun with the Wee Nessie, a race designed for kids aged 5 and under, ensuring that everyone can be part of this exciting festival.
Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting out, the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon promises a memorable experience filled with camaraderie and the beauty of the Highlands.
Prefer to enter directly? General entry options are explained on the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running page.
Event photos
Event video
Charity places
Please select your distance to find a charity and join their team.
- All fitness levels
- Event expo
- Event village
- Families
- Fancy dress
- Newcomers
- Spectators
- Teams
- Traders at event
Provisional timetable
Saturday
Sunday
10K Corporate Challenge
The Corporate Challenge is a fun team-building opportunity:
- Open to all sectors of business and industry in the public and private sector
- Teams must contain a minimum of 4 runners and a maximum of 6 runners; incomplete teams cannot be accepted
- Times of the fastest four combine to make the team’s final score
- Prizes are awarded according to the accumulated results of the fastest four runners in each team
- Companies are welcome to enter more than one team
- All entries must be from bona fide employees of the company; an employee cannot be entered into more than one team
- Each team must nominate a team captain who will be responsible for entering their team online
Rally your work mates and sign up today!
- Bag transfer
- Bar
- Cafe
- Changing facilities
- Entertainment
- Music
- Paid parking
- Park
- Rural
- Secure bag storage
- Showers
- Toilets
- Urban
Event HQ
Bught Park
Bught Road
Inverness
Highland
IV3 5SQ
UK
Make a weekend of it
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 and Drink Fayre, live music, kids’ activities and a Wee Nessie for under-5s.
Parking
There is no parking at Bught Park.
Saturday
Public car parks include:
- Highland Council HQ Car Park, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, IV3 5NX
- Cathedral Car Park, Ness Walk, Inverness, IV3 5NN
- Old Town Rose Street Multi- Storey, Farraline Park, Inverness, IV1 1NH
- Eastgate Centre Multi-Storey Car Park, 11 Eastgate, Inverness IV2 3PP
- Torvean Car Park, IV3 8JL accessed from roundabout opposite Premier Inn, Glenurquhart Road
Sunday
Public car parks include:
- Highland Council HQ Car Park, IV3 5NX (10min walk to marathon bus pick up point)
- Torvean Car Park, IV3 8JL accessed from roundabout opposite Premier Inn, Glenurquhart Road (5 min walk to marathon bus pick up point)
5 stars doesn't even come close to how good Loch Ness Marathon is! Loved by all and a jewel in the crown of Scottish road running. I would recommend it to all.
Loch Ness vs London. There is no contest. I know I would rather take the scenic route.
First time 10K run. Loved every minute and can’t wait for next year’s race. Scott S
My first Loch Ness marathon and I absolutely loved it. From the expo to the marshalls, the medal to the soup, it was all fantastic. I’ve completed 24 marathons now and this one has got to be up there at the top for me. Even with all of the upward flats! Just beautiful. Katie K
The organisation was well done as always. Getting all the runners in their estimated time lineup at start was clear for all. Course was great with amazing volunteers (support staff) around the course cheering us all on. Once again fantastic volunteers (support staff at the finish. Easy to filter through at the end. Everyone as always so helpful and friendly. Already on my race calendar for 2026. Ailsa R
First ever marathon! Really well organised event with impressive logistics to get everyone to the start. Great atmosphere and as for the scenery… it speaks for itself. Already booked 2026 as my second and looking forward to everything bar that hill…😬 Gareth W
Participated for my first 10K event - from the lead up to the event, to organisation pre and post run, everything was planned meticulously. Support through was exceptional and a hugely successful event for participants and spectators - I will be back! Audrey A
From start to finish, I really enjoyed the marathon experience. When things were getting tough after mile 19 🥵 I was encouraged along by one of the cycling volunteers. She rode alongside me for at least 2 miles, keeping me going and telling me I could do it. And I did 😊 I wouldn’t change a thing, everyone was so helpful and pleasant. Francis M
This is a great race. Highly recommended. George D
Such a wonderfully inclusive event. The care taken of all runners is fantastic. Absolute well oiled logistically spectacular machine! Pet C
My third Loch Ness Marathon. Just cannot fault it. The way the locals support this event makes it what it is. Superb. An iconic event that is something you will never forget. Robert N
Reviews thanks to RaceCheck
- Sustainability policy
This event is committed to being as sustainable as possible and minimising its environmental impact. There are many ways the event eliminates waste and reduces its environmental impact as outlined in the sustainability policy.