The sold-out Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running takes place this Sunday (28 September), with more than 10,700 participants set to descend on the Highlands for one of the UK’s most iconic running events.

Famed for its breathtaking scenery, the 26.2-mile marathon route begins in the hills near Fort Augustus, follows the shores of Loch Ness and finishes in the heart of Inverness. Known for its friendly atmosphere and sense of occasion, the event is firmly established as a bucket-list race for runners around the world.

This year’s festival has broken records, with 5,800 marathon entries and more than 10,700 across all distances. The event continues to attract a global field, with half of marathon runners travelling from outside Scotland and 82 nationalities represented. Closer to home, a third of the River Ness 5K entries come from local schools and youth clubs.

Competition at the sharp end of the races will be fierce. In the River Ness 10K, course record holder Logan Rees (Fife AC) returns to defend his title against Max Abernethy (Aberdeen AAC) and Sean Chalmers (Inverness Harriers). The women’s 10K sees last year’s winner Caitlyn Heggie (Inverness Harriers) line up once again alongside 2024 runner-up Robyn Pinder (Metro Aberdeen RC).

In the marathon, reigning women’s champion Melissah Gibson (Ealing Eagles/100 Marathon Club) is targeting a third consecutive victory, while Shaun Cumming (East Sutherland AC) and Lachlan Oates (Shettleston Harriers) are among the leading contenders in the men’s race.

The festival is also a major fundraising event, with thousands of pounds expected to be raised for charity. Macmillan Cancer Support is the official partner for 2025, joined by Alzheimer Scotland, Cancer Research UK, Highland Hospice, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and more than 30 other causes.

Event organiser, Malcolm Sutherland said: “The atmosphere in Inverness across the weekend is always something very special, with people of all ages and abilities coming together to enjoy the challenge, the scenery and the incredible community spirit. Whether it’s the marathon, 10K, 5K or Wee Nessie, every distance captures the magic of Loch Ness.”

If you'd like to know more, visit the Loch Ness Marathon website.

Image: Loch Ness Marathon Facebook