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River Ness 10K & Corporate Challenge

  • 10.30 am on 28 September 2025
  • Price: From £32.00
  • Age: 15 years or over
Please note final event information may be subject to change and will be available nearer the event date. 

 

The Baxters River Ness 10K & Corporate Challenge follow a flat, point-to-point course through the historic Highland capital of Inverness alongside the banks of the picturesque River Ness, and are renowned for their ‘PB’ potential.

Perhaps you’re looking for the next step up from a 5K or are en-route to a half marathon or marathon?  Maybe you see it as an opportunity to raise funds for your favourite charity or a chance to run in a new scenic setting?  Possibly you are a club runner up for a new challenge?  Or, like many others, maybe you are simply looking for a fun and enjoyable way to keep fit and healthy and need a goal to work towards. Whatever your motivation, the Baxters River Ness 10K won’t disappoint!

If you prefer a team approach to sport, then the 10K Corporate Challenge for teams of 4-6 could be the ideal race for you.

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THE ROUTE

The Start is on Culduthel Avenue (near junction with Culduthel Road B681).  From the Start, the route travels up Culduthel Road turning right on to the Southern Distributor Road and continuing on the Southern Distributor Road before turning left on to Essich Road and turning right down Torbreck Road before arriving at the t-junction on the Dores Road (B862).  (From Torbreck Road/ B862 junction, the route follows same route as the Loch Ness Marathon to the Finish).  Turning right onto Dores road, the route continues along the same road directly into the heart of Inverness, turning left into Cavell Gardens, following Ness Bank and Castle Road and turning left over main town road bridge, and left again immediately after the bridge into Ness Walk.  The route continues along the edge of the River Ness to the Finish at the Bught Park in the centre of Inverness.

Click here to see the route profile.

Entry Includes

  • Finisher's technical t-shirt
  • Finisher's medal
  • Goody bag
  • Post-race soup and roll
  • Electronic timing
  • Downloadable finisher's certificate
  • Water stations on the route and at the Finish
  • Baggage transfer from the start to finish
  • Transport back to the start (after the race)
  • Fantastic festival at the finish

10K Corporate Challenge

The Corporate Challenge is a fun team-building opportunity:

  • Open to all sectors of business and industry in the public and private sector.
  • Teams must contain a minimum of 4 runners and a maximum of 6 runners; incomplete teams cannot be accepted.
  • Times of the fastest four combine to make the team’s final score.
  • Prizes are awarded according to the accumulated results of the fastest four runners in each team.
  • Companies are welcome to enter more than one team.
  • All entries must be from bona fide employees of the company. An employee cannot be entered into more than one team.
  • Each team must nominate a team captain who will be responsible for entering their team online.

 

So, what are you waiting for? Rally your work mates and sign up today.

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.

How many water stations are there on the 10K route?

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.

Where can I find a photograph of myself running the race?

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.

When will I receive my race number etc?

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.

 

Can I run wearing headphones or earphones?

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.

How old must I be to compete?

The River Ness 10K and 10K Corporate Challenge are open to runners aged 15 and over on the day of the race.

When do entries close?

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.

What is included in the entry fee?

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.

Can I make changes to my entry?

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.

Is it possible to enter on race weekend?

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.

How do I know that my online entry worked?

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.

Is it possible to transfer my place to a different race or another runner?

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.

I don’t want to enter online; can I pay for my entry over the phone or by cheque?

We’re sorry but we can only accept entry and payments online.

Do you offer elite entries?

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.

I live overseas and will already be in the UK / Scotland when you send out 10K race packs?

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.

When does registration take place?

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.

What’s the 10K course like?

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.

Are there distance markers on the course?

Yes, there are ascending kilometre markers along the 10K route.

Are there toilets on the course?

Yes, there are portable toilets located at 5km along the 10K route and at Inverness Royal Academy (start) and the Event Village (finish).

Is there a baggage facility?

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.

Are there showers and changing facilities?

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.

Is massage available?

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!

Has the 10K route been measured accurately?

The 10K route has been accurately measured by both a qualified Scottish Athletics measurer and AIMS (Association of International Marathons) route measurer.

Can wheelchair users enter the 10K?

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].

Can I be supported by bike along the route?

For safety reasons, cyclists are not permitted to cycle along ANY of the race routes to support runners.

Are buggies and pushchairs allowed in any of the races?

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).

Can I run in fancy dress?

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.

What is the Corporate Challenge?

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.

How do I enter a team in the Corporate Challenge?

You can enter the Corporate Challenge here.  You will need to either create or join a team.

Where can I park?

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.

 

 

Are dogs allowed?

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.

 

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