The Famous Five Start a New Chapter for Baxters Loch Ness Marathon

The Famous Five start a new chapter for Baxters Loch Ness Marathon as final call for guaranteed marathon entries is sounded

The Famous Five are about to go off on another adventure – but George, Timmy and Co will be nowhere to be seen in this latest thrilling story from the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon.

Just weeks after it was announced that a trio of runners were on course to take part in all editions of the race in its 15th anniversary year, two more runners have decided they too want to join the small but select group.

Seasoned marathoners Erica Christie and John Cassells will join Fiona Rennie, Lucy Mackay and Kenneth Stewart on the start line on September 25 – and are urging people still deciding whether to enter to get a sprint on.

Standard entries for the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon close on July 1, although places for charity, club and overseas runners will still be available up until September 5.

Erica (57) from Glasgow runs with Bellahouston Road Runners, where Lucy is also a member. Erica says she would not miss the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon for the world.

“The day that I can no longer put my running shoes on will be the day that I no longer take part in the Loch Ness Marathon.” she says. “Everything about it is just great – the scenery, the organisation and the atmosphere. It is a testing course but it is absolutely fantastic and I always have a great time.

“The event village at the end is my favourite thing. With some marathons you cross the line on your own and just leave, but with Loch Ness you have a chance to meet up with other runners.

“It’s important to have that time to decompress and chat to other runners about their experiences. You can talk to your family and supporters about it, but it’s not the same as speaking to people who have gone through the same thing.”

Dunfermline-based John (45) is a member of Carnegie Harriers, as is Fiona Rennie. The final member of the Famous Five is Kenneth Stewart (65) who is a member of Perth Road Runners. He cuts a familiar figure on the course and is known for running the 26.2 miles wearing a kilt.

Race director Malcolm Sutherland says he hopes the Famous Five will keep coming back year after year. He adds, “We think it’s fantastic that they are so dedicated to the marathon, and probably says a lot about the event that they have never grown tired of it.

“The 2016 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon will attract runners of all ages and abilities, and from all corners of the world. We hope that our very own Famous Five will encourage even more people to get on their running shoes and head towards the start line.”

The Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running also comprises the River Ness 10K, 10K Corporate Challenge and River Ness 5K as well the Wee Nessie fun run for pre-school children.

Although guaranteed marathon entries close on July 1, runners who want to take part for one of the event’s charities can still enter, along with overseas and club runners. Macmillan Cancer Support is the main charity for the event, and there are five other lead affiliate charities and 20 affiliate charities.

The finish line is based around the Event Village at the Bught Park in Inverness, where runners and spectators can enjoy the Baxters Food and Drink Fayre, a Sports Expo, live music and activities for children.

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