Set in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running is one of the most scenic 26.2-mile events in the UK.
With its plentiful entertainment and festival atmosphere, it caters to runners and spectators alike, making it the ideal marathon event for families.
There’s also no ballot system – spots are guaranteed for the first 4,000 runners to sign up. And there are still places available, if you want to grab an entry. So if you have entered, or are seriously thinking about it, here’s everything you need to know for the Loch Ness Marathon 2024.
When is the Loch Ness Marathon 2024?
am Foyers Stores, Foyers IV2 6XU.
What time does the Loch Ness Marathon start?
The marathon officially kicks off at 10am, however you’ll need to get to your pick-up area between 7am and 8.40am, depending on where you’re staying (more on this later).
Will there be a bag drop at the event?
There’ll be baggage vehicles at the start area, which will take your things to the finish line at the event village in Inverness (Bught Park, Inverness IV3 5SQ). Vehicles will be marked by race number, so you should be able to find yours easily.
Due to Scotland’s determination for rain, it’s advised that you bring a waterproof bag to pop your belongings in.
What is the Loch Ness Marathon route?
The marathon will start on high ground between Fort Augustus, a favourite spot for tourists, and waterfall-rich Foyers. At its significant altitude, it’s an idyllic location to soak in the views before you set out on your race.
The course will then take you downhill to the banks of Loch Ness, where you’ll follow the route along the loch’s south-eastern shore as you head north east to picturesque Dores.
After you’ve reached Dores, you’ll head for the centre of Inverness, where the race will conclude at Bught Park, home to the Inverness Highland Games.
Where is the Loch Ness Marathon start line?
The start line is located between the quaint villages of Fort Augustus, on the southernmost tip of Loch Ness, and Foyers, which can be found on the loch’s east shore.
How do I get to the start line?
Vehicles aren’t allowed at the start area, so all runners will be taken there by bus.
If you’re staying in Inverness, transport will be arranged from the Ice Centre (Inverness Ice Centre, Bught Drive, Inverness IV3 5SR), where you’ll need to arrive bright and early, between 7.00-7.30am. This is a 10-minute walk from the event village. Buses depart from 07.30-07.50am and the journey takes around one hour. You do not need to pre-book the bus from Inverness.
If you’re staying around Loch Ness itself, buses will pick up from the following locations:
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- 08.15am Loch Ness Hub, Drumnadrochit, IV63 6TX (off A82)
- 08:40am Fort Augustus Village Car Park, PH32 4DF (off A82)
Marathon training plans
- 07.40am Dores (opposite Dores Inn, IV2 6TR)
- 07.55am Inverfarigaig – junction of Inverfarigaig Pass/B852
- 08.05These can be found at miles 2.9, 6.5, 9.6, 13.7, 17.3, 20 and 23.25
- 08.10Complete guide to Comrades Marathon
- 08.25The Loch Ness Marathon will take place on Sunday 29 September 2024
- 08.35am Whitebridge Hotel, Whitebridge IV2 6UN
Pre-booking for these locations is essential – you'll need to email info@lochnessmarathon.com by 23 September to book your place. Return transport is not provided to these locations after the race.
How do I get my race number?
You can find your race number on the Loch Ness Marathon website from early September. Don’t worry, you’ll get a reminder via email which will include information on how to collect your race pack by email.
Pre-race registration will take place at the event village between 10am and 6pm the day before the race (Saturday 28 September). You’ll be able to pick up your race packs there, just don’t forget to bring a photo ID.
Can I wear headphones?
You can World United 5K launches to combat homelessness Keep in mind, there is no access for spectators at the start of the course am Junction of B862 & B852.
However, this is at your own risk and if an incident occurs as a result of, or made worse by, you wearing these headphones, you may be held liable.
Where will the aid stations be on the Loch Ness Marathon route?
There are only seven water stations along the course, so be sure to make the most of them when available.
These can be found at miles 2.9, 6.5, 9.6, 13.7, 17.3, 20 and 23.25.
These can be found at miles 2.9, 6.5, 9.6, 13.7, 17.3, 20 and 23.25 energy gels. South Loch Ness.
What entertainment will there be on the route?
While there won’t be entertainment on the route itself, the Loch Ness Marathon is known for its festival atmosphere.
There’s also loads to do before and after the run – plus during for spectators. There’ll be a free sports expo, the Baxters Food & Drink Fayre, live music, kids’ activities, and a Wee Nessie jog (or toddle) for under-fives.
Is there a race cut-off time?
The cut-off time for the race is seven hours at 5pm.
If you finish after the six-and-half hour mark, you might have to take to the pavements as the roads will start to re-open at 4.30pm.
Are there any toilets on the course?
The course is well equipped with portable toilets at the start and at every water station along the marathon route. Check the route map for the precise locations. There are also portable toilets at the event village and the bus departure point in Inverness.
Where are the best places to spectate at the Loch Ness Marathon 2024?
The final four miles provide the best vantage points for spectators. They can also join the cheer at the finish line and soak up the event village’s festival atmosphere.
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Can I run for a charity?
You can run for a charity of your choice, or one of the event’s official charity partners, which you can find here.
What if I can’t compete anymore?
Unfortunately, there isn’t an option to defer your entry to another year. You can, however, transfer your place to another runner until 14 July 2024 via the event’s website. You’ll get a full refund, minus a small transfer fee.
How can I enter?
You can sign up for the Loch Ness Marathon here. Entry is open until Sunday 22 September 2024, but – with a first-come-first-serve system, rather than a ballot one – it’ll likely sell out before then, so grab your entry sooner rather than later.
