£50,000 Cash Prize Up For Grabs If Nessie Photobombs Loch Ness Marathon Runner Selfies

Runners entering the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon could win £50,000 – if Nessie photobombs their race day selfie. Organisers hope that by putting up the cash prize, runners will be able to help solve the mystery of whether the monster really does exist.

Over 9,000 people are expected to descend on the Highlands to take part in the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running on September 27, 2015. Race director Malcolm Sutherland says there has been a growing trend in recent years for runners to snap selfies on the course, and hundreds have been taken with the loch in the background.

He says, “We realised there was a potential for our runners to help prove once and for all whether there really is a pre-historic monster living in the loch. With so many selfies being taken on race day, surely if she is out there someone will be able to get one with her in the background.

“The legend and mystery of the monster, along with the absolutely breath-taking scenery of Loch Ness, is one of the main reasons why people enter the event and travel from all over the world to take part.”

A runner who believes they have captured the Loch Ness Monster in a photograph must submit the image to the organisers in order for it to be considered for the prize. The cash will be handed over if the image is confirmed as being a plesiosaur – the large marine reptile that is believed to be Nessie – by a panel of experts.

Those who have taken part in the event in previous years are also being encouraged to get involved in the hunt for Nessie by posting their photographs on the event’s social media channels. Runners who think their selfies show something strange in the water that could be a pre-historic beast can use the hashtag, #nessieselfie

The very first sighting of the Loch Ness Monster dates back to 565AD when St Columba is reported to have seen a water beast. Reports of a monster with humps and a long neck increased in the 1930s when a road was built alongside the stretch of water.

There was speculation that the monster may have died in early 2014 because it was the first year in 90 years that no one had spotted her. However, according to the Official Loch Ness Monster Sightings Register, there was one sighting of her near Urquhart Castle last month.

Malcolm adds, “We know that not everyone believes in Nessie, but there are still plenty of other reasons to take part in the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running. As well an iconic route, we can offer a fantastic, friendly atmosphere and a real taste of Highland hospitality.

“We firmly believe that if you are going to put yourself through the hell of running 26.2 miles, you might as well do it in heaven – and our route is as close to that as you can get.”

The Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running comprises the marathon, River Ness 10K, 10k Corporate Challenge and River Ness 5K as well the Wee Nessie fun run for pre-school children. Guaranteed places are available for the marathon until 1 July, with charity, club and overseas places available thereafter. Entry for the 10K, 10K Corporate Challenge, 5K and Wee Nessie are now open until 7 September.

Find out more about the day at 79.170.40.224/lochnessmarathon.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/lochnessmarathon and on Twitter @nessmarathon