Loch Ness Marathon
The Baxters Loch Ness Marathon is renowned for its stunning point-to-point route alongside the iconic Loch Ness. Starting in an atmospheric moorland setting, the course takes runners through breathtaking Highland scenery, along the south-eastern shores of Loch Ness, across the River Ness, and finishes in Inverness, the capital city of the Highlands.
Elevation Details
- Total Elevation Gain:310
- Net Elevation Gain:-304
Notable Landmarks
- Loch Ness
- Fort Augustus
- Urquhart Castle
- Dores Village & Dores Beach
- River Ness
- Inverness Castle
Location Details
Other Race Distances
Boston Marathon Status
Estimated Hotel Cost
140 USD per night
Race Requirements
Required Documents
Photo ID
Entry Methods
Online Registration
14-Day Cooling-Off Period: Participants can withdraw their entry within 14 days of payment and receive a full refund, minus a £10 administrative fee.
Transfers: Beyond the 14-day period, entries are non-refundable. However, up to four weeks before the event, participants can transfer their place to another runner for a £10 fee.
No Deferrals: The marathon does not offer deferments to future events.
The marathon route winds through the picturesque Scottish Highlands, offering stunning views but limited access for spectators. This remoteness results in fewer cheering sections along the majority of the course.
However, Inverness comes alive for the finish. The last 4 miles through the city offer the best vantage points and are lined with cheering supporters.
The event finishes at the Festival Village in Bught Park, where thousands of spectators await, creating a festive atmosphere with live music, pipers, food stalls, and a Baxters Food & Drink Fayre.
It's a true Scottish celebration -- expect to hear bagpipes along the course (a piper often stands around mile 5 and again near the finish), and lots of hearty Highland encouragement.
The Loch Ness Marathon doesn't typically sell out extremely early.
All runners must take the official buses to the start (no private drop-offs).
Buses leave Inverness very early (~7:30 AM) for the roughly 1-hour ride to the start. It can be chilly up on the moor in the morning (often ~40°F/5°C, possibly windy), so wear old warm layers that you can discard at the start – the organizers will donate left-behind clothes.
- General Entry72 GBP
- Pre-Race Registration2025-09-27