Mo Goes for Loch Ness Hat-Trick – Will You Join Him There?

Entries for Festival of Running close at midnight on Monday 3rd September

Jordanian runner Mohammad  Abu-Rezeq, pictured, will  attempt to complete a hat-trick of victories in the Baxters Loch Ness marathon on Sunday 23^rd September-  but anyone hoping to join him on the starting line will have to act fast.

Mohammad Abu-Rezeq, winner of 2018 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon

Entries for the most northerly marathon on the British mainland, and the accompanying Baxters River Ness 10km, close at midnight on Monday 3rd September. Places are available until then for Scottishathletics members, members of affiliated UK running clubs, overseas runners, and through official charity Macmillan Cancer Support and other affiliate charities.

Lancashire-based Abu-Rezeq  has set two of the fastest winning times in the 16 year history of the marathon, recording 2hr 20min 52sec in 2016 and 2:22:02 last year and there’s little doubt the course record of 2:20:13 set by Kenyan Simon Tonui in 2009 is within his capabilities.

Race Director Malcolm Sutherland believes that Abu-Rezeq’s return is a major boost for the event which caters for athletes of all levels of experience and ability. He said: “Mohammad is so happy to be coming back to do the Baxters Loch Ness marathon because he has enjoyed it so much on previous visits. He is determined to break the course record and maybe this will be the year he does it.

“He is one of many runners who return year after year to enjoy the experience of tackling one of the most spectacular marathon courses in the country. And, of course, there’s always the chance you might spot Nessie at some point along the way.

“We try to offer something for all sectors of the running community. In addition to the marathon we have the Baxters River Ness 10Km, including a Corporate Challenge for teams. There’s also have the Baxters River Ness 5Km fun run, and the Wee Nessie children’s run which are always popular.

“Our 10km route is one of the fastest in the country with many runners having achieved personal best times here over the years while the 5km always attracts lots of energetic young runners as well as enthusiastic beginners who use the run as a stepping stone towards the 10km and marathon in future years.

The Wee Nessie Run is always fun to watch and, you never know, it could provide a platform from which some stars of the future might emerge.

“There’s a superb atmosphere at the races with huge number of people turning out to watch and cheer on the competitors, particularly at the finish in Bught Park where the Event Village is located. As usual there will be plenty of activities at the Village to keep everyone entertained and there’s always a fantastic atmosphere around the finish area.

“But there’s not much time left for anyone to join in. Final entries will close at midnight on 3rd September and we definitely cannot accept any applications for the marathon or 10km after that date. Limited places will be available in the 5km and Wee Nessie run over the race weekend, but these will be taken up on a first-come basis.”

Full details at www.lochnessmarathon.com