Turkey trots – stave off the festive stodge and get back in calorie credit by training for the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon

Organisers of the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running have come up with the perfect solution to getting back in calorie credit after the Christmas festivities: run 26.2 miles.

The marathon distance is the perfect length for burning off a turkey dinner and lots of other indulgent Christmas Day treats – and as a special incentive to commit to getting in shape after the festive revelry, those who sign up to the marathon can grab a bargain with a discounted early bird entry fee.

By running 26.2 miles, it is possible to expend the same number of calories consumed by feasting on a turkey dinner, mince pies, Christmas pudding, chocolates, cheese and biscuits, wine, turkey sandwiches and a few satsumas.

Race director Malcolm Sutherland says the marathon – as well as the associated River Ness 10K and 5K events – always has a flood of entries in the new year as people set themselves a fitness goal.

He adds, “Lots of people say that they want to use the start of a new year to focus on their health and fitness, but many people lose all that motivation by the end of January. Setting yourself a target – like running a marathon or completing a 10K – can really help to maintain focus and ensure you keep working towards your goal.

“We are all guilty of over-indulging during the festive period, and it definitely influences the way we feel. Eating large amounts of food means that blood is shifted away from the brain and muscles to deal with the food – and that’s why we often feel sluggish.

“You can strike a balance by exercising too. Walking, jogging and running will increase blood flow and help to flush out that festive stodgy feeling.

“But if you are new to running I would not recommend going out on January 1 and trying to run 26.2 miles – start off slow and steady and gradually build up the mileage over many months so you can be ready for the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running on September 24.”

An average-sized man running at a steady 10-minute mile pace will burn off 3050 calories during a marathon – equivalent to a Christmas dinner and lots more of the indulgent treats that will have been scoffed on December 25. An average sized woman running at the same pace will be used up 2,615 calories.

This ready reckoner shows how far along the stunning Baxters Loch Ness Marathon course people would have to run to “burn off” their Christmas excesses.

Turkey with all the trimmings 956 calories – 9.5 miles. From the start line on the rugged moorland of Whitebridge this undulating section with tough little climbs and downhill sections takes runners towards the loch.

Mince pie 230 calories – 2.3 miles. Leaving Foyers, look out for Boleskine house on the right – once owned by Led Zepplin guitarist Jimmy Page and also described as “a centre of black magic” when inhabited by Satanist Aleister Crowley. Use this section for some speed drills!

Turkey and cranberry sandwich 381 calories – 3.8 miles. Running through Inverfarigaig, this is prime Nessie spotting territory where there are stunning views of the loch. If you need to stop and take a breather, this is the place to do it.

Christmas pudding 320 calories – 3.2 miles. Past the half-way point and you are heading towards the lochside village of Dores and an enjoyable flat section. Simply stunning – but watch out, there’s trouble ahead.

Two glasses of white wine 258 calories – 2.5 miles. Leaving Dores it’s a section of the course often referred to as thE toughest as you encounter a sharp climb. But it’s just a hill – you’ll get over it.

Cheese and biscuits 285 calories – 2.8 miles. You made it to the stop of that hill, so enjoy the shelter of the next slightly undulating section in the knowledge that you are getting closer as you enter the city of Inverness.

Three chocolates 180 calories – 1.8 miles. The course runs alongside the River Ness and the spectacular sights of Inverness Castle.

Two satsumas 36 calories – 0.36 miles. The end is in sight – the final sprint towards the finish at Bught Park.

Entries are now open for the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running, with early bird entry fees available until 1^st March. The event, which draws thousands of people from across the world, comprises the marathon, River Ness 10K and 10K Corporate Challenge, River Ness 5K and a Wee Nessie fun-run for pre-school children.

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.

To enter, visit www.lochnessmarathon.com The event is also active on Facebook at facebook.com/lochnessmarathon and on Twitter @nessmarathon