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FAQ
Looking for an answer to your question, you are in the right place! A list of the most frequently asked questions runners ask is shown below.
Scroll down to find your race and click on an question to see the answer.
All Races FAQ
Will I see Nessie?Maybe aye, maybe nae.
Entry to all races closes at midnight on Sunday 21 September 2025, subject to race capacity, with limited race weekend entries to the 5K and Wee Nessie.
Please note that wearing headphones or earphones is NOT permitted in any of the races under Scottish and UK Athletics rules.
We DO allow the use of headphones or earphones that use bone conductor technology, which allow the wearer to be aware of their surroundings. However, this is at your own risk and if an incident occurs as a result of, or made worse by, you wearing these headphones or earphones you may be held liable.
You will have received a confirmation email at the time of registering, if this did not happen please contact us or you can visit the My Events page to check your entry.
As stated on our Terms and Conditions of Entry, we do not operate a deferment system, so we regret it is not possible to defer your entry to another year.
If you are no longer able to participate, it is possible to transfer your place to another runner. You can do this by logging into your entry through My Events. Please note it is your responsibility to find a replacement runner and the transfer of place must be completed by 30 August 2025. Once the new runner has claimed the transfer and paid the full entry fee online, you will automatically be issued with a refund, minus the transfer fee.
Please see our terms & conditions of entry for further information.
We’re sorry but we do not operate a transfer system between races.
If you are interested in taking part in another race you can still register online until midnight on Sunday 22 September 2024 , but you will have to pay the registration fee. These dates are subject to change if race capacity is reached.
Please note: Never swap your race number with any other runner, as this could cause problems for our medical teams and results service. If race organisers become aware of anyone who swaps their race number they will be disqualified and reported to Scottish Athletics.
You are entitled to a refund within 14 days of entering (the cooling off period), after this time we are unable to give refunds. As stated in the terms and conditions of entry, we will deduct a £10.00 administration fee from all refunds.
Notice of withdrawal from the event must be communicated by emailing [email protected] stating clearly the desire to withdraw and putting the word WITHDRAWAL in the subject line of the email. Withdrawals will not be accepted by telephone. Participants can withdraw at any point prior to the race with no refund.
If you have purchased Race Fee Protection when you completed your registration, you will need to liaise directly with Yellow Jersey. This is not operated by the Loch Ness Marathon team.
Active Network are the company who provide our registration system; the admin fee charged by them is non-refundable and is separate from your race entry fee.
As a charity event, we welcome all runners to raise funds for a charity, and this can be either for the charity of your choice or one of our official charities. See our charity page for more information.
We are committed to making our events as sustainable as possible and to minimise the event’s environmental impact as we work towards a Zero Waste to Landfill event for the future however we do need your help. Read more here about some of the ways we are eliminating waste and reducing the environmental impact of the event this year.
Whilst fundraising is not compulsory, we do ask that all runners consider raising money for one of our official charities. Small amounts make a big difference, and the monies raised by the Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running will directly benefit thousands of lives across the UK.
You should contact your chosen charity direct to discuss their fundraising requirements. Many charities and organisations will directly benefit from the funds raised by the Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running.
Inverness is the Highland capital and gateway city to the Highlands with an international airport and it is well served by public transport. Please check out the Visit section on the website which lists details of flights, trains, buses and car hire companies serving Inverness.
There is a wide variety of accommodation to suit all budgets in Inverness and around Loch Ness although we recommend you book soon as it does get booked up in advance for race weekend.
To help you plan your trip, please visit Visit Inverness Loch Ness or the Visit section.
Please refer to our FAQ for your race for parking information.
The final 4 miles through Inverness offer the best vantage points for spectators, and everyone is welcome to come to the Event Village to welcome home all runners and enjoy the entertainment and festival atmosphere. Please note that there is no spectator or vehicle access to the marathon start due to logistical/safety reasons. More information.
For safety reasons, it is not permitted to accompany runners or cycle along any of the race routes.
Marathon start: Please note that there is no spectator or vehicle access to the marathon start due to logistical/safety reasons.
10K start: Please note dogs are not permitted within the school grounds at the 10K start.
There are a host of volunteer roles at the event. Please email [email protected] or visit the Volunteer page for more information.
We have teamed up with Marathon Photos Live, the leading event photography company in the world photographing over 700 mass participation events in over 35 countries. Every runner will find their photos and video within 24 to 48 hours after the event and can also download a FREE personalised Event Certificate.
Your official photos from the Loch Ness Marathon, 10K & 5K will be going LIVE from the moment you pass a MarathonPhotos Live photographer around the course. Share your race number with your friends and family and they can register here to be notified as soon as your first photos are available online. They can then see your progress throughout the run. They might even buy your photos and your video as a well-done gift before you’ve even crossed the finish line!
Don’t forget to share your photos and video on social media and with friends & family so they can share your achievement.
Loch Ness Marathon FAQ
How do I get to the marathon start?All marathon runners are transported by bus to the marathon start from Inverness Ice Centre on Bught Drive, Inverness IV3 5SR. This is a 10-minute walk from the Event Village. Please arrive between 07.00-07.30. Buses depart from 07.30-07.50 and the journey takes around one hour. You do NOT need to pre-book the bus from Inverness.
For those staying around Loch Ness, buses will pick up from the following locations. Pre-booking is essential. Please email [email protected] by 23 September to book your place. Return transport is not provided to these locations after the race.
North Loch Ness
- 08.15 Loch Ness Hub, Drumnadrochit, IV63 6TX (off A82)
- 08:40 Fort Augustus Village Car Park, PH32 4DF (off A82)
South Loch Ness
- 07.40 Dores (opposite Dores Inn, IV2 6TR)
- 07.55 Inverfarigaig – junction of Inverfarigaig Pass/B852
- 08.05 Lower Foyers junction with B852
- 08.10 Foyers Stores, Foyers IV2 6XU
- 08.25 Junction of B862 & B852
- 08.35 Whitebridge Hotel, Whitebridge IV2 6UN
There is no vehicle access for runners to be dropped off at the marathon start due to both safety and logistical reasons.
Due to the geographical constraints of the terrain, we are currently not able to offer live tracking at the Loch Ness Marathon.
However, your official race photos will go LIVE the second you pass one of our Marathon Photos Live photographers on the course.
If you share your race number with friends and family, so they can sign up for instant notifications when your first photos appear online. They’ll be able to track your race in real time.
Being well hydrated and drinking little and often is essential for achieving your best performance. There are 7 water stations along the marathon course, water will be provided in 330ml recyclable plastic bottles with sports caps.
There will be 4 gel stations along the marathon route providing High5 Energy Gels.
See route map for locations.
Wearing headphones or earphones is NOT permitted in any of the races under Scottish and UK Athletics rules.
We DO allow the use of headphones or earphones that use bone conductor technology, which allow the wearer to be aware of their surroundings. However, this is at your own risk and if an incident occurs as a result of, or made worse by, you wearing these headphones or earphones you may be held liable.
Entry is available until midnight on Sunday 21 September 2025, subject to race capacity.
Race numbers are allocated for all races in early September, and will be posted on our website. All runners will be advised of this and how to collect their race pack by email.
Marathon runners collect their race pack (including timing tag and baggage label) at pre-race registration on Saturday 27 September 2025 at Event Village, Bught Park, Inverness IV3 5SQ between 10.00-18.00. Please ensure you bring photo ID with you.
The marathon is open to runners aged 18 and over on the day of the race.
Entry fee includes commemorative finisher’s medal, finisher’s technical t-shirt, goody bag, electronic timing, downloadable finisher’s certificate (from marathon photos live), water stations, High5 energy gel stations, complimentary post-race food, baggage transfer from start to finish, coach transport to the marathon start and a fantastic festival at the Finish.
Changes to your entry can be made by logging into MyActive, until 30 August. This link is also included on your confirmation email.
We’re afraid there are absolutely no race weekend entries for the Loch Ness Marathon due to the practicalities of planning for a fixed number of participants. Entry for the marathon closes at midnight on 21 September 2025, subject to race capacity. There are limited race weekend entries for the River Ness 5K and Wee Nessie ONLY subject to race capacity.
You will have received a confirmation email at the time of registering, if this did not happen please contact us or you can log-in to MyActive to check your entry.
If you are no longer able to participate, it is possible to transfer your place to another runner. You can do this by logging into your entry through My Events. Please note it is your responsibility to find a replacement runner and the transfer of place must be completed by 30 August 2025. Once the new runner has claimed the transfer and paid the full entry fee online, you will automatically be issued with a refund, minus the transfer fee.
Please see our terms & conditions of entry for further information.
If you are interested in taking part in another race you can still register online until midnight on 21 September 2025, but you will have to pay the registration fee. This is subject to change if race capacity is reached.
Please note: Never swap your race number with any other runner, as this could cause problems for our medical teams and results service. If race organisers become aware of anyone who swaps their race number they will be disqualified and reported to Scottish Athletics.
We’re sorry but we can only accept entry and payments online.
The Baxters Loch Ness Marathon can offer a limited number of free entries for elite runners who have achieved the standards specified here within the 24 months prior to the race, which takes place on 28 September 2025. Times must have been recorded in a licensed race with accredited course measurement.
If you have achieved these standards and are interested in taking part in the race, please contact us at [email protected]
Please give your name, age, email address, club name and details of where and when you have achieved the standards.
Applications will be considered up to 21 September 2025, but we have a limited number of elite places available so, having the standard does not guarantee anyone a free entry.
Download our Elite Entry Criteria.
Pre-race registration for Marathon takes place 10.00-18.00 on Saturday 27 September 2025 at Event Village, Bught Park, Inverness, IV3 5SQ.
All marathon runners must collect their race pack (including timing chip and baggage label). Please ensure you bring photo ID with you.
If you are unable to attend Registration and wish to send a friend or relative to collect your event pack on your behalf, they must bring a form of photo ID for themselves as well as a signed letter of authorisation from you confirming they are authorised to collect on your behalf. Template letter available here.
If you are unable to attend Registration and wish to send a friend or relative to collect your event pack on your behalf, they must bring a form of photo ID for themselves as well as a signed letter of authorisation from you confirming they are authorised to collect on your behalf. Template letter available here.
If this is not possible, please email us at [email protected]
The course is generally an open course with some undulations, and people do get PBs. See the course map and profile for more information.
Yes, there are ascending mile markers on the marathon route.
Yes, there are portable toilets at the start and at every water station along the marathon route, see route map for locations. There are also portable toilets at the Event Village and the bus departure point.
The Loch Ness Marathon is a running event and we welcome all runners. Our aim is to support every participant, whatever their pace, from start to finish and provide the best possible experience.
The Marathon starts at 10.00 and the race cut-off time is 7 hours at 17.00. In the interests of safety and to minimise the disruption to the local community and residents, roads along the final 3 miles in Inverness start to re-open from 16.30 and the finish line and Event Village start to be dismantled from 17.00. If you think that you will take longer than 6hr 30min, we ask you to use the pavement through Inverness. Participants still on the course after the cut-off time continue at their own risk.
For those participants who can no longer continue for physical or medical reasons, a sweep bus follows the rear of the field and will take you back to the Event Village in Inverness. Event Officials reserve the right to use their discretion to insist when runners get on the Sweep Bus.
There will be baggage vehicles located at the marathon start, which will transport runners’ bags back to the finish line at the Event Village.
• A baggage label is attached to your race number, attach this to your kit bag.
• Only small kit bags such as a daysack or sports bag will be accepted.
• We recommend placing items in a waterproof bag within your kit bag to protect contents from the weather.
• We recommend you have some warm & dry clothes to change into, warm jacket, post-race soup ticket, money and post-race snacks/fuel.
• On arrival at the start, you will be directed to drop your kit bag in the baggage vehicles, these are marked according to race number.
• Please don’t put any valuables or expensive items or anything flammable or sharp in your kit bag.
A changing tent is available in the Event Village. We are sorry there are no showers available. Please note that showers/changing are NOT available within Inverness Leisure Centre.
Did you know post-race massage aids recovery, boosts circulation, removes lactic acid and promotes relaxation? Massage is available during registration on Saturday and after your race on Sunday at the Event Village. You’ll definitely deserve it!
The marathon route has been accurately measured by both a qualified Scottish Athletics measurer and AIMS (Association of International Marathons) route measurer.
We’re sorry but we do not have a wheelchair race within our marathon due to safety and logistical reasons. You can enter the River Ness 5K as a wheelchair entrant, please contact: [email protected] for more information.
For safety reasons, cyclists are not permitted to cycle along ANY of the race routes to support runners.
For safety reasons, we do not allow runners in the marathon or 10K to take buggies onto any sections of the route.
Buggies are allowed in the 5K and are also welcome in the Wee Nessie, which is for pre-school age children (5 and under).
We welcome runners in fancy dress however we do reserve the right to prevent you from participating in any race if we consider that the fancy dress outfit may cause danger or risk of danger to you or other participants. We’re sorry but you can’t use roller skates, push a wheel barrow, pull a hand cart or use walking poles.
If you wish to retire at any point during the race, please approach one of our medical or marshal teams. First Aiders are located at every water station along the route. Please tell an event marshal or one of the medical team if you are wish to retire. If you are unable to complete the marathon, we will have a Sweep Bus to get you back to the Event Village and finish line.
Saturday
Event Village, Bught Park: there is NO parking available at Bught Park. Parking is available at the following public car parks (refer to map on page 8), parking charges may apply. Where possible we recommend car sharing, using public transport or walking to the Event Village.
- Highland Council HQ Car Park, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, IV3 5NX
- Cathedral Car Park, Ness Walk, Inverness, IV3 5NN
- Old Town Rose Street Multi- Storey, Farraline Park, Inverness, IV1 1NH
- Eastgate Centre Multi-Storey Car Park, 11 Eastgate, Inverness IV2 3PP
- Torvean Car Park, IV3 8JL accessed from roundabout opposite Premier Inn, Glenurquhart Road
Sunday
There is no parking at Event Village, Bught Park (location of bus departure point). Please consider walking where possible. Parking is available at the following public car parks, please note parking charges may apply.
- Highland Council HQ Car Park, IV3 5NX (10min walk to marathon bus pick up point)
- Torvean Car Park, IV3 8JL accessed from roundabout opposite Premier Inn, Glenurquhart Road (5min walk to marathon bus pick up point)
A drop off point is available on Bught Drive. There is no drop off at Bught Park this year due to ongoing construction works. Please follow marshals instructions.
For supporters coming to Event Village: there is no parking available at Bught Park. Parking is available at public car parks (see above for Saturday), parking charges may apply.
Disabled parking is available at the Highland Archive Centre, access via Glenurquhart Road, please note this is located approx. 800m from the Event Village. Please follow the signs to ‘VIP Parking’.
There is NO access or parking available at the Inverness Ice Centre, Inverness Leisure or Highland Rugby Club car parks.
Please be considerate towards local residents and businesses when parking around the Event Village.
We have teamed up with Marathon Photos Live, the leading event photography company in the world photographing over 700 mass participation events in over 35 countries. Every runner will find their photos and video within 24 to 48 hours after the event and can also download a FREE personalised Event Certificate.
Your official photos from the Loch Ness Marathon, 10K & 5K will be going LIVE from the moment you pass a MarathonPhotos Live photographer around the course. Share your race number with your friends and family and they can register here to be notified as soon as your first photos are available online. They can then see your progress throughout the run. They might even buy your photos and your video as a well-done gift before you’ve even crossed the finish line!
Don’t forget to share your photos and video on social media and with friends & family so they can share your achievent.
Unfortunately, we can’t allow any dogs on the course.
Please email [email protected].
We’re sorry, but as stated in our entry terms and conditions, it is not permissible to use walking poles on the Loch Ness Marathon course.
River Ness 10K & Corporate Challenge FAQ
How do I get to the 10K Start?The 10K starts at Inverness Royal Academy on the southside of Inverness; runners must make their own way there. All runners should arrive by 10.00.
- Pedestrian Route from Event Village to Inverness Royal Academy
- Vehicle Route from Event Village to Inverness Royal Academy
There is one water station located at the halfway mark (5.3km), please refer to course map for location. Water will be provided in 330ml recyclable plastic bottles with sports caps.
We have teamed up with Marathon Photos Live, the leading event photography company in the world photographing over 700 mass participation events in over 35 countries. Every runner will find their photos and video within 24 to 48 hours after the event and can also download a FREE personalised Event Certificate.
Your official photos from the Loch Ness Marathon, 10K & 5K will be going LIVE from the moment you pass a MarathonPhotos Live photographer around the course. Share your race number with your friends and family and they can register here to be notified as soon as your first photos are available online. They can then see your progress throughout the run. They might even buy your photos and your video as a well-done gift before you’ve even crossed the finish line!
Don’t forget to share your photos and video on social media and with friends & family so they can share your achievement.
Race numbers are allocated for all races in September and will be posted on our website. All runners will be advised of their race number by email.
UK runners entered before midnight on 13 Sept: you will receive your race pack (containing race number, timing tag and baggage label) by post in September, please allow up to 10 days for your pack to arrive
UK runners entered after 14 Sept: collect your race pack from Registration in the Event Village on Saturday 10.00-18.00 OR from Info Point at 10K start on Sunday 08.30-10.00.
International runners: collect your race pack from Registration in the Event Village on Saturday 10.00-18.00 OR from Info Point at 10K start on Sunday 08.30-10.00.
Please bring Photo ID (such as a passport or driver’s license) to collect your race pack and find out your race number on our website before attending registration.
Please note that wearing headphones or earphones is NOT permitted in any of the races under Scottish and UK Athletics rules.
We DO allow the use of headphones or earphones that use bone conductor technology, which allow the wearer to be aware of their surroundings. However, this is at your own risk and if an incident occurs as a result of, or made worse by, you wearing these headphones or earphones you may be held liable.
The River Ness 10K and 10K Corporate Challenge are open to runners aged 15 and over on the day of the race.
Entries are open for the River Ness 10K and 10K Corporate Challenge until midnight on 21 September 2025, subject to race capacity, with limited race weekend entries to the River Ness 5K and Wee Nessie ONLY.
Entry fee includes commemorative finisher’s medal, finisher’s technical t-shirt, goody bag, electronic timing, downloadable finisher’s certificate (from marathon photos live), complimentary post-race food and a fantastic festival at the Finish.
Changes to your entry can be made by logging in at MyActive until 30 August 2025, this link is also included on your confirmation email.
We’re afraid there are absolutely no race weekend entries for the River Ness 10K and 10K Corporate Challenge due to the practicalities of planning for a fixed number of participants. Entry for the River Ness 10K and 10K Corporate Challenge closes at midnight on 21 September 2025, subject to race capacity.
You will have received a confirmation email at the time of registering, if this did not happen please contact us or you can visit the MyActive to check your entry.
If you are no longer able to participate, it is possible to transfer your place to another runner. You can do this by logging into your entry through My Events. Please note it is your responsibility to find a replacement runner and the transfer of place must be completed by 30 August 2025. Once the new runner has claimed the transfer and paid the full entry fee online, you will automatically be issued with a refund, minus the transfer fee.
Please see our terms & conditions of entry for further information.
We’re sorry but we do not operate a transfer system between races.
If you are interested in taking part in another race you can still register online until midnight on 21 September 2025, but you will have to pay the registration fee. This is subject to change if race capacity is reached.
Please note: Never swap your race number with any other runner, as this could cause problems for our medical teams and results service. If race organisers become aware of anyone who swaps their race number they will be disqualified and reported to Scottish Athletics.
We’re sorry but we can only accept entry and payments online.
The River Ness 10K offers a limited number of free entries for elite runners who have achieved the standards specified here within the 24 months prior to the race, which takes place on 28 September 2025.
If you have achieved these standards and are interested in taking part in the race, please contact us at [email protected].
Please give your name, age, email address, club name and details of where and when you have achieved the standards.
Applications will be considered up to 21 Septembe 2025, but only a limited number of places are available and these will be allocated on a first come basis.
Download our Elite Entry Criteria.
10K runners with an international address should collect your race pack from Registration in the Event Village on Saturday 10.00-18.00 OR from Info Point at 10K start on Sunday 08.30-10.00.
Please bring Photo ID (such as a passport or driver’s license) to collect your race pack and find out your race number on our website before attending registration.
UK runners entered before midnight on 13 Sept: you will receive your race pack by post in September, please allow up to 10 days for your pack to arrive
UK runners entered after 14 Sept: collect your race pack from Registration in the Event Village on Saturday 10.00-18.00 OR from Info Point at 10K start on Sunday 08.30-10.00.
International runners: collect your race pack from Registration in the Event Village on Saturday 10.00-18.00 OR from Info Point at 10K start on Sunday 08.30-10.00.
Please bring Photo ID (such as a passport or driver’s license) to collect your race pack and find out your race number on our website before attending registration.
The River Ness 10K offers a flat course, scenic route and lots of cheering support as it weaves its way through the streets of the historic Highland capital, past the Castle and along the picturesque riverside to finish at Bught Park – perfect for a range of running abilities. Please see route map here.
Yes, there are ascending kilometre markers along the 10K route.
Yes, there are portable toilets located at 5km along the 10K route and at Inverness Royal Academy (start) and the Event Village (finish).
There will be baggage vehicles located at the 10K start, which will transport runners’ bags back to the finish line at the Event Village.
• A baggage label is attached to your race number, attach this to your kit bag.
• Only small kit bags such as a daysack or sports bag will be accepted.
• We recommend placing items in a waterproof bag within your kit bag to protect contents from the weather.
• We recommend you have some warm & dry clothes to change into, warm jacket, post-race soup ticket, money and post-race snacks/fuel.
• On arrival at the start, you will be directed to drop your kit bag in the baggage vehicles, these are marked according to race number.
• Please don’t put any valuables or expensive items or anything flammable or sharp in your kit bag.
A changing tent is available in the Event Village. We are sorry there are no showers available. Please note that showers/changing are NOT available within Inverness Leisure Centre.
Did you know post-race massage aids recovery, boosts circulation, removes lactic acid and promotes relaxation? Massage is available during registration on Saturday and after your race on Sunday at the Event Village. You’ll definitely deserve it!
The 10K route has been accurately measured by both a qualified Scottish Athletics measurer and AIMS (Association of International Marathons) route measurer.
We’re sorry but we do not have a wheelchair race within our 10K race due to safety and logistical reasons. You can enter the River Ness 5K as a wheelchair user, please contact: [email protected].
For safety reasons, cyclists are not permitted to cycle along ANY of the race routes to support runners.
For safety reasons, we do not allow runners in the marathon or 10K to take buggies onto any sections of the race routes.
Buggies are allowed in the 5K and are also welcome in the Wee Nessie, which is for pre-school age children (5 and under).
We welcome runners in fancy dress however we do reserve the right to prevent you from participating in any race if we consider that the fancy dress outfit may cause danger or risk of danger to you or other participants.
We’re sorry but you can’t use roller skates, push a wheel barrow, pull a hand cart or use walking poles.
The Corporate Challenge is included within the River Ness 10K and is open to teams of 4-6 runners from all sectors of business and industry across the public and private sector. The fastest four accumulated times make the team’s final score. More info.
You can enter the Corporate Challenge here. You will need to either create or join a team.
Saturday
Event Village, Bught Park: there is NO parking available at Bught Park. Parking is available at the following public car parks (refer to map on page 8), parking charges may apply. Where possible we recommend car sharing, using public transport or walking to the Event Village.
- Highland Council HQ Car Park, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, IV3 5NX
- Cathedral Car Park, Ness Walk, Inverness, IV3 5NN
- Old Town Rose Street Multi- Storey, Farraline Park, Inverness, IV1 1NH
- Eastgate Centre Multi-Storey Car Park, 11 Eastgate, Inverness IV2 3PP
- Torvean Car Park, IV3 8JL accessed from roundabout opposite Premier Inn, Glenurquhart Road
Sunday
Parking at 10K Start: On race day, make your way to Inverness Royal Academy and follow signs and marshals’ instructions directing you to parking areas. Please note parking is 5-10 mins walk from the start. We encourage you to car share, be dropped off or walk / cycle where possible. Disabled parking is available at Inverness Royal Academy
A free shuttle bus service is available after the race to take 10K runners from the Event Village back to Inverness Royal Academy to collect their cars between 11.30-14.45. Buses depart from Inverness Ice Centre, Bught Drive, Inverness IV3 5SR.
For supporters coming to Event Village: there is no parking available at Bught Park. Parking is available at public car parks (refer to map), parking charges may apply. Please consider car sharing, using public transport or walking.
Disabled parking is available at the Highland Archive Centre, access via Glenurquhart Road, please note this is located approx. 800m from the Event Village. Please follow the signs to ‘VIP Parking’.There is NO access or parking available at the Inverness Ice Centre, Inverness Leisure or Highland Rugby Club car parks.
Please be considerate towards local residents and businesses when parking around the Event Village.
We only allow assistance dogs (seeing or hearing) on the course, please email [email protected] for further information.
Please note dogs are not permitted within the school grounds at the 10K start.
River Ness 5K FAQ
Where does the 5K start?The route starts at the Bught Park, Inverness IV3 5SQ and follows a loop near the park before crossing over onto ‘the Islands’ and following Ness Bank into the heart of Inverness. Runners will turn left over the main town road bridge and left again immediately after the bridge into Ness Walk. The route continues along the edge of the River Ness before finishing at the Bught Park. See the 5K route map.
Race numbers are allocated for all races in September, and will be available on our website. All runners will be advised of their race number by email. All 5K runners must collect their race number during pre-race registration between 10.00-18.00 on Saturday or between 07.30-09.00 on Sunday at the Event Village, Bught Park, Inverness IV3 5SQ.
Limited entries for the River Ness 5K may be available over the event weekend, subject to capacity.
Entry fee includes commemorative finisher’s medal, finisher’s technical t-shirt, goody bag, downloadable finisher’s certificate (from marathon photos live), complimentary post-race food and a fantastic festival at the Finish.
We have teamed up with Marathon Photos Live, the leading event photography company in the world photographing over 700 mass participation events in over 35 countries. Every runner will find their photos and video within 24 to 48 hours after the event and can also download a FREE personalised Event Certificate.
Your official photos from the Loch Ness Marathon, 10K & 5K will be going LIVE from the moment you pass a MarathonPhotos Live photographer around the course. Share your race number with your friends and family and they can register here to be notified as soon as your first photos are available online. They can then see your progress throughout the run. They might even buy your photos and your video as a well-done gift before you’ve even crossed the finish line!
Don’t forget to share your photos and video on social media and with friends & family so they can share your achievement.
All schools, youth clubs and disability groups are eligible to enter teams into the River Ness 5K and receive reduced entry fees.
If you wish to enter a team, please email [email protected] for further information.
Entries are open for the River Ness 5K until midnight 21 September 2025 unless race capacity is reached sooner, with limited entries available over race weekend subject to race capacity.
All 5K runners must collect their race number during pre-race registration between 10.00-18.00 on Saturday 27 September or between 07.30-09.00 on Sunday 28 September at the Event Village, Bught Park, Inverness IV3 5SQ.
Please note that wearing headphones or earphones is NOT permitted in any of the races under Scottish and UK Athletics rules.
We DO allow the use of headphones or earphones that use bone conductor technology, which allow the wearer to be aware of their surroundings. However, this is at your own risk and if an incident occurs as a result of, or made worse by, you wearing these headphones or earphones you may be held liable.
You will have received a confirmation email at the time of registering, if this did not happen please contact us or you can log-in to your MyActive page to check your entry.
We’re sorry but we can only accept entry and payments online. If you are unable to enter online, we do accept a limited number of entries on event weekend.
Changes to your entry can be made by logging in to MyActive, by 30 August, this link is also included on your confirmation email.
If you are no longer able to participate, it is possible to transfer your place to another runner. You can do this by logging into your entry through My Events. Please note it is your responsibility to find a replacement runner and the transfer of place must be completed by 30 August 2025. Once the new runner has claimed the transfer and paid the full entry fee online, you will automatically be issued with a refund, minus the transfer fee.
Please see our terms & conditions of entry for further information.
We’re sorry but we do not operate a transfer system between races.
If you are interested in taking part in another race you can still register online until 21 September 2025, but you will have to pay the registration fee. These dates are subject to change if race capacity is reached.
Please note: Never swap your race number with any other runner, as this could cause problems for our medical teams and results service. If race organisers become aware of anyone who swaps their race number they will be disqualified and reported to Scottish Athletics.
The River Ness 5K is open to all ages. All children aged 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult, who should also enter the 5K.
There is NO parking available at Bught Park. Parking is available at the following public car parks (see below), parking charges may apply. Where possible we recommend car sharing, using public transport or walking to the Event Village.
- Highland Council HQ Car Park, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, IV3 5NX
- Cathedral Car Park, Ness Walk, Inverness, IV3 5NN
- Old Town Rose Street Multi- Storey, Farraline Park, Inverness, IV1 1NH
- Eastgate Centre Multi-Storey Car Park, 11 Eastgate, Inverness IV2 3PP
- Torvean Car Park, IV3 8JL accessed from roundabout opposite Premier Inn, Glenurquhart Road
Disabled parking is available at Highland Archive Centre car park, Bught Road IV3 5RZ although please note this is located approx. 800m from the Event Village. Please follow signs to ‘VIP Parking’.
There is NO access or parking available at the Inverness Ice Centre, Inverness Leisure or Highland Rugby Club car parks.
Please be considerate towards local residents and businesses when parking around the Event Village.
Yes, buggies are allowed on the 5K course, and you will be required to complete separate entries for yourself and your child. This is for safety reasons so that we have a record of everyone who is out on the course, and to allow us to provide t-shirts and medals for everyone that takes part. Runners/walkers with buggies are required to start at the back of the field for safety reasons.
Standard wheelchairs which are assisted (pushed) are permitted in the 5K. If you are taking part as an assisted wheelchair entrant your assistant/pusher will be allocated a complimentary entry into the event. Please note for safety reasons assisted wheelchair participants will be asked to start towards the rear of the field.
Please email [email protected] to let us know that you intend to take part in a wheelchair and to arrange a complimentary entry for your assistant.
Only allow assistance dogs (seeing or hearing) are allowed on the course. Please email [email protected] for further information.
Wee Nessie FAQ
How old must I be to compete?The Wee Nessie is for pre-school children aged 5 and under on the day of the race.
Entry fee includes commemorative finisher’s medal, quality t-shirt, fruit and water.
All Wee Nessie runners must collect their race number during pre-race registration between 10.00-18.00 on Saturday or 07.30-09.00 on Sunday at the Event Village, Bught Park, Inverness, IV3 5SQ.
There is NO parking available at Bught Park. Parking is available at the following public car parks (see below), parking charges may apply. Where possible we recommend car sharing, using public transport or walking to the Event Village.
- Highland Council HQ Car Park, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, IV3 5NX
- Cathedral Car Park, Ness Walk, Inverness, IV3 5NN
- Old Town Rose Street Multi- Storey, Farraline Park, Inverness, IV1 1NH
- Eastgate Centre Multi-Storey Car Park, 11 Eastgate, Inverness IV2 3PP
- Torvean Car Park, IV3 8JL accessed from roundabout opposite Premier Inn, Glenurquhart Road
Disabled parking is available at Highland Archive Centre car park, Bught Road IV3 5RZ although please note this is located approx. 800m from the Event Village. Please follow signs to ‘VIP Parking’.
There is NO access or parking available at the Inverness Ice Centre, Inverness Leisure or Highland Rugby Club car parks.
Please be considerate towards local residents and businesses when parking around the Event Village.
Race numbers are allocated for all races in September and will be posted on our website. All runners will be advised of this by email and must collect their race number during pre-race registration.
Limited entries for the Wee Nessie may be available over the event weekend, subject to capacity.
Entries are open for the Wee Nessie until midnight on 21 September 2025, with limited entries available over race weekend, subject to race capacity.
Changes to your entry can be made by logging in at MyActive until 30 August, this link is also included on your confirmation email.
We’re sorry but we can only accept entry and payments online. If you are unable to enter online, we do accept a limited number of entries on event weekend.
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