On Your Marks! Early Bird Entries Now Open for One of World’s Most Scenic Running Festivals

**Runners urged to book fast for the 18th annual 2019 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running**

The race is on for runners seeking to grab an early place at Scotland’s most scenic running festival in the heart of the Highlands.

Early bird entries are now open for the 18th annual 2019 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running, taking place on 6 October, which traditionally attracts runners from all over the world.

The marathon, Baxters River Ness 10K, 10K Corporate Challenge, River Ness 5K and Wee Nessie events are renowned worldwide for their spectacular scenery, with routes that cling to the banks of Loch Ness, the River Ness and which showcase beautiful rolling hills, moorland and the Highland capital, Inverness.

The 2018 event attracted 8000 entries, with runners from as far afield as Africa, Australia, USA, Germany and France travelling to Inverness to participate.

Joining top runners Sheena Logan from Fife Athletics Club who became the first female runner over the marathon finishing line, and first male runner Mohammad Aburezeq from Altrincham & District Athletics Club, were thousands of charity runners hoping to beat the 2017 fundraising total of £608,200.

Among the charities to benefit from the 2018 event were official charity Macmillan Cancer Support and lead charities Alzheimer Scotland, Highland Hospice and MS Society Scotland, plus many others.

Participants ranged from tots taking part in a short run, walk – or toddle – as part of the fun-filled Wee Nessie challenge, to the oldest competitor, Helmut Folgar, 86, from Germany, who ran the Baxters River Ness 5K.

The River Ness 10K is known for bringing out the best in runners with many achieving a PB on the way, while the 10K Corporate Challenge brings together teams of 4 to 6 colleagues joining forces for a good cause in stunning scenery.

Among the most incredible efforts on the day came from Raymond Ayonote, 39, who decided to make his first Loch Ness Marathon extra-challenging by completing a double marathon. He jogged from the heart of Inverness to the starting line 26 miles south west of the city.

However, after setting off at 4am on the morning of the marathon, Raymond ran several miles in the wrong direction before realising his mistake. He arrived at the starting line a little late yet still managed to complete the race.

His incredible double run of almost 60 miles lasted over 12 hours – which he finished off by jumping straight on to a bus for a 12-hour journey home to Manchester.

Many runners and spectators, however, choose to stay longer – a huge attraction of the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running is the area’s natural beauty and wealth of attractions. The Inverness area is steeped in history, home to castles, misty mountains and, of course, the Loch Ness Monster.

Activities in the Inverness area range from challenging hill walks to kayaking, dolphin-spotting boat trips to distillery visits. There’s lots more about local attractions, activities and places to visit here.

The Festival weekend features a Runners’ Café, Sports Expo, Baxters Food & Drink Fayre, pipe bands, live music and kids’ activities.

Race director Malcolm Sutherland urged runners to sign up early to guarantee their place: ”The Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running event grows in popularity year on year and continues to prove itself to be the highlight of the Scottish sporting calendar.

“Not only is it a great running event attracting runners of all ages and capabilities from home and abroad but it’s a superb spectator event, which brings the community together and draws people into Inverness and the Highlands.

“The event raises thousands of pounds for our official charity, Macmillan Cancer Support and many other charities associated with the event. Entries for the 2019 event are now open – we’re looking forward to welcoming many runners back and meeting new ones.”

Entry for all races in the 2019 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running, which takes place on Sunday 6th October is now open.

Sign up now at www.lochnessmarathon.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/lochnessmarathon and on Twitter @nessmarathon – using the hashtag #RunLochNess.