Five thousand runners, record female participation and a race that sold out well before the starting gun. Inverness Half Marathon & 5K enjoyed quite a year in 2026, and entries are already open for its return on Sunday 14 March 2027.

This year's event attracted a record 5,100 runners to the Highland capital, with women accounting for 50% of entries for the first time. There was plenty of quality at the front too, with Hamish Hickey winning the half marathon in 1:05:06 and Annabel Simpson taking the women's title in 1:13:52. Both also claimed Scottish championship honours, while the accompanying 5K welcomed runners of all ages, including 12 year old Millie Glass Park, who won the women's race in 17:15.

The half marathon has plenty to recommend it beyond the results. Starting beside the River Ness on Bught Road, the course crosses Ness Bridge with views towards Inverness Castle before heading south through Torbreck and Lochardil. There is a steady climb in the early miles and some undulating running through the middle section, but the final miles are predominantly flat as runners return towards the city and a track finish at Queen's Park Stadium.

The 5K provides a shorter alternative, making the event attractive to families, newer runners and those who simply prefer a quicker challenge. Both distances share the atmosphere of one of Scotland's major early season running occasions, with the half marathon also providing a useful test for runners preparing for spring marathons.

After this year's record turnout and early sell out, anyone hoping to join the 2027 field might want to make their plans sooner rather than later. Inverness has already demonstrated just how popular a Highland half marathon can be.

Enter now via the runABC race hub.

Image courtesy Caledonian Concepts.