Celebrate two decades of the Loch Ness Marathon
Milestone anniversary for autumn challenge
The Baxters Loch Ness Marathon will celebrate its 20th birthday on 2 October 2022 – and it’s not too late to join in the celebrations by taking part.
Renowned for being one of the most scenic and beautiful marathons in the world, the race follows a spectacular point to point route alongside Loch Ness – making it no surprise that the race has made its way onto the bucket lists of so many runners around the world.
The event has come a long way from its start in 2002. Legendary distance runner Fiona Rennie, who has run every Loch Ness Marathon to date, told runABC Scotland: “It’s a fantastic event. It has the feel of a big city marathon but retains the friendliness of a smaller event. Even though the numbers taking part have grown so much it hasn’t lost its character and never seems too busy or congested.”
But if the full 26.2 mile challenge isn’t your thing, there’s also the Baxters River Ness 10K, 5K and Wee Nessie kids' race.
With a race for everyone, Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running makes a perfect destination for a Highland weekend with family or friends. There’ll be plenty to entertain both runners and spectators over the whole weekend, with a sports expo, runners' cafe, street food, live music and family entertainment already planned.
Guaranteed entry for all races is now open, but with 9000 runners expected to take part in the anniversary celebrations, a sell-out event is a real possibility.
Nearly 5000 runners took part in the 2021 edition of the race, when Corstorphine's Stuart Livingstone became the first Scottish men's winner of the marathon for nine years (2.32.21). In the women’s race, Fife AC’s Megan Crawford came from behind to take the title for the third time in eight years (2.48.15).
Full results from previous Baxters' Loch Ness Festival and Marathon Running events are available via runABC Scotland.