Loch Ness Marathon
The Lowdown
The Loch Ness Marathon, held annually around Inverness and the shores of the famous Loch Ness since the 1980s, is one of Scotland’s most iconic road races. The event draws a mix of local clubs, international runners and charity entrants who come for the famous scenery and the chance to tackle a well-organised point-to-point route. Over the years it has grown into a beloved autumn fixture in the Scottish running calendar, combining cultural interest (Loch Ness and Highland lore) with a serious road-marathon experience. The course runs along long stretches of the Great Glen with sweeping views of the calm waters of Loch Ness, wooded shores and distant Highland hills, offering memorable vistas and photographic moments at several lakeside vantage points. Runners experience a varied route of rolling terrain, stretches of quiet country roads and supportive crowd pockets in village checkpoints; well-marked aid stations and enthusiastic local marshals create an encouraging, festival-like atmosphere. The race is measured to national and international standards, carrying AIMS measurement and UK Athletics licensing, and is recognised as eligible for Boston Marathon qualifying times.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Large field
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Moderate spectator support
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Inverness Castle
The race starts near the city centre with views of the historic red sandstone castle overlooking the River Ness
River Ness & Ness Islands
Early miles follow the scenic River Ness and pass the tree-lined Ness Islands popular with locals
Caledonian Canal / Dochgarroch Locks
Runners pass sections of the canal and the Dochgarroch lock system, offering waterway and wildlife views
Glenurquhart / Drumnadrochit countryside
Rolling Highland countryside and forests around Drumnadrochit provide classic Loch-side scenery
Urquhart Castle viewpoint
The route offers distant vistas of the iconic ruined Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness
Loch Ness shoreline
Long stretches alongside Loch Ness give expansive water and mountain views, a highlight of the course
Fort Augustus & Caledonian Canal locks
The finish area is in Fort Augustus beside the dramatic locks and basin at the southern tip of Loch Ness
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom
GB
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Must be 18 years or older on race day
- Proof of age may be required at bib collection
- Medically fit to run; medical clearance recommended for those with health concerns
- Entries are non-transferable and non-refundable
- Race numbers and timing chips must be worn for the entire event
- Participants must follow event rules, marshals and traffic management instructions
- Participants must be able to complete the course within the event cut-off time (typically around 6 hours)
- Wheelchair or handcycle entrants require prior approval from the organisers
Required Documents
- Photo ID (passport or driving licence)
- Proof of Age (passport or birth certificate)
- Medical certificate (if requested/required)
- British Athletics/UKA competition licence (if entering under a club entry and applicable)
Entry Methods
- Online Registration
- Charity Entry
- Tour Operator
- Club/Group Entry
- Corporate Entry
Cancellation & Refund Policy
No refunds after registration
Deferral to the 2027 race permitted up to 30 days before race date for a £10 administration fee
Bib transfers/name changes allowed up to 14 days before the race for a £10 administration fee
Medical withdrawals: deferral or credit available on receipt of a valid medical certificate submitted before race day
If the organiser cancels the event for reasons within their control, entrants may choose a refund of the entry fee minus transaction fees or a free deferral to the next year's event
If the event is cancelled for reasons outside the organiser's control (force majeure), entrants will be offered a deferral to the next event or partial refund at the organiser's discretion
The Loch Ness Marathon is famed for its scenic, mostly downhill course along the shores of Loch Ness with dramatic Highland views and several historic sights including Urquhart Castle visible from parts of the route.
All finishers receive a technical race shirt and a commemorative medal, and the event provides chip timing with finish-line results posted online shortly after completion.
Race weekend typically includes a pre-race registration/expo in Inverness, a pre-race pasta dinner and a childrens' fun run, plus plentiful roadside spectator points near the Caledonian Canal and village sections.
Runners should prepare for undulating terrain with a few sharp climbs and exposed stretches — aid stations are frequent (roughly every 2.5–5 km), and public transport/park-and-ride options in Inverness are recommended as race-day parking near the start can be limited.
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.