Excitement builds for 2024 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon

With more runners than ever before set to take on the iconic Highlands route

The 2024 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running is just around the corner, and anticipation is higher than ever for one of the most scenic and popular running events in the race calendar.

This Sunday, 29 September, will mark the largest number of marathon runners in the event’s history, with 5,500 participants set to lace up and head to the marathon start line. Throughout the weekend, nearly 10,000 participants from around the world will gather against the stunning backdrop of Loch Ness, ready to take on the marathon, 10K, or the shorter but equally rewarding 5K route. The event has become a cornerstone of the annual calendar for both local athletes and international competitors with 12% of participants travelling from outside the UK to race, offering something for everyone—from seasoned marathoners to fun runners and wee monsters.

Baxters Food Group, the long-standing title sponsor of the event, expressed their excitement for this year’s race. Audrey Baxter, Executive Chairman of Baxters Food Group, said: “We are incredibly proud to continue our partnership with Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running. The event captures the spirit of community and perseverance, and it’s fantastic to see so many people, from young families to seasoned athletes, coming together to enjoy the weekend. ”

As always, the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon supports a wide range of charitable causes, with Macmillan Cancer Support playing a leading role in fundraising efforts with other charity partners including Alzheimer Scotland, Cancer Research UK, Highland Hospice, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and Parkinson’s UK and a further 30 participating charities. Whether running for personal achievement or to raise awareness for a cause, participants can look forward to a supportive and uplifting atmosphere along every step of the course.

Jimmy Holland, Challenge Events Programme Manager for Macmillan Cancer Support comments, “With 98% of Macmillan’s income relying on fundraising and donations, we’re delighted by the incredible enthusiasm surrounding this year’s Baxters Loch Ness Marathon. We’ve over 200 Team Macmillan runners taking part, and our team fundraising target is £90,000. Without this sort of support, Macmillan simply wouldn’t be able to continue providing the services it does for people living with cancer. They’re all absolute superstars!”.

Malcolm Sutherland, Race Director for Loch Ness Marathon shared his thoughts on the 2024 instalment of the event.“We’re absolutely thrilled to see a record-breaking 10,000 participants joining us for this year’s Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running. The incredible turnout is a testament to the event’s growing popularity and the unique draw of running in such a breathtaking location. It’s shaping up to be our most exciting race yet, and we can’t wait to welcome athletes from around the world to experience the challenge and beauty of the event.”

The Baxters Loch Ness Marathon weekend offers more than just races—it features an exciting and free Sports Expo and Event Village that bring the running community together.

Held at Bught Park, the Event Village is a hub of activity, with the Sports Expo showcasing a range of running gear, nutrition and fitness products from top brands. It’s a perfect spot for participants and spectators to explore, relax, and soak up the marathon atmosphere.

In addition, the weekend includes a live Q&A, hosted by BBC’s Bryan Burnett with elite athletes, coaches, and race experts, offering invaluable insights and inspiration for runners of all levels. With entertainment, food stalls, and activities for the whole family, the Event Village enhances the overall experience, making it a must-visit for all attendees.

On Sunday, the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon will showcase a breathtaking 26.2-mile point-to-point course set against the backdrop of the world-renowned Loch Ness. The race kicks off on the elevated terrain above Fort Augustus, winding through stunning Highland landscapes along the southeastern shore of the loch. Runners will pass by Inverness Castle before crossing the finish line on the scenic banks of the River Ness in Inverness.

Famous for its fast and flat route, the Baxters River Ness 10K and Corporate Challenge frequently help runners achieve personal bests as they race through the historic streets of Inverness and along the picturesque banks of the River Ness.

For those seeking a shorter distance while still enjoying the breathtaking scenery, the Baxters River Ness 5K has proven to be a popular choice, with record entries this year as 1,800 participants have registered for the event. Notably, 41% of runners are from local schools and youth or sports clubs, bringing together more community engagement than ever before. Open to participants of all ages and abilities, this flat course runs along the scenic River Ness and finishes at Bught Park, Inverness, alongside the other races. Limited 5K entries will be available on race weekend on a first-come, first-served basis. For younger participants, the Wee Nessie race (now sold out) offers a safe, circular route within Bught Park, designed specifically for children aged 5 and under.

To ensure the safety of participants and the general public, there will be some temporary traffic restrictions in place in Inverness and on south Loch Ness on Sunday 29 September. For details, please see here.