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Loch Ness Marathon

September 27, 2026 · 10:00 AMInverness, Scotland, United Kingdom

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Race Day

52°F

43–57°F · Feels cool

Total elevation gain

1,017ft

Challenging elevation · Net elevation change −997 ft

Participants

8,000

Large field

Crowd Rating

4/ 10

Moderate spectator support

The Lowdown

The Loch Ness Marathon (officially the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running), held annually around Inverness and the shores of the famous Loch Ness, 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 — a beloved autumn fixture in the Scottish running calendar.

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 at several lakeside vantage points. Runners experience rolling terrain, stretches of quiet country roads and supportive crowds in village checkpoints; well-marked aid stations and enthusiastic local marshals create an encouraging, festival-like atmosphere. The race carries AIMS measurement and UK Athletics licensing and is recognised for Boston Marathon qualifying times.

Race weekend includes a sports expo, pre-race pasta dinner, a children's fun run (Wee Nessie), River Ness 10K and 5K, post-race food, transport to the start, and a finisher's medal, technical t-shirt and goody bag for all marathon finishers.

Course Highlights: 01Inverness Castle – The race starts near the city centre with views of the historic red sandstone castle overlooking the River Ness
02River Ness & Ness Islands – Early miles follow the scenic River Ness and pass the tree-lined Ness Islands popular with locals
03Caledonian Canal / Dochgarroch Locks – Runners pass sections of the canal and the Dochgarroch lock system, offering waterway and wildlife views
04Glenurquhart / Drumnadrochit countryside – Rolling Highland countryside and forests around Drumnadrochit provide classic Loch-side scenery
05Urquhart Castle viewpoint – The route offers distant vistas of the iconic ruined Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness
06Loch Ness shoreline – Long stretches alongside Loch Ness give expansive water and mountain views, a highlight of the course
07Fort Augustus & Caledonian Canal locks – The finish area is in Fort Augustus beside the dramatic locks and basin at the southern tip of Loch Ness
Also on this race weekend: 10K · 5K
Boston Qualifier: This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.

Minimum Age: 18 years
Entry Methods: Online Registration via letsdothis.com
Charity Entry
Tour Operator
Club/Group Entry
Corporate Entry
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)
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

01: 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.
02: All finishers receive a technical race shirt, a commemorative medal, and a goody bag; the event provides chip timing with finish-line results posted online shortly after completion.
03: Race weekend includes a pre-race registration/expo, a sports expo, a pre-race pasta dinner, a children's Wee Nessie fun run, and plentiful roadside spectator points near the Caledonian Canal and village sections.
04: General entry is sold out for 2026; charity places remain available through the event's charity partners. Registration is handled via letsdothis.com.
05: 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.

Prepare for This Race

Pace CalculatorPlan splits for marathon Race PredictorPredict your marathon time BQ CalculatorBQ-eligible course Fuel PlannerPlan nutrition for marathon, cool weather Difficulty Analyzer1017ft gain, 52°F avg, marathon Training PacesTraining zones for marathon

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