“Never again!” my friend gasped as she crossed the finish line at the Manchester Marathon back in April. But, as any runner knows, “never again” often lasts less than 24 hours. Sure enough, the very next morning, I had a text:
“Do you fancy Loch Ness Marathon?”
My reply was instant: “If the medal has the Loch Ness Monster on it, I’m in!”
And just like that, we had another marathon on the calendar. Fast forward a few months and we found ourselves packing the car full of snacks, playlists at the ready, heading on a road trip to the Scottish Highlands for the famous Baxters Loch Ness Marathon.
Getting to the Loch Ness Marathon
One of the first things you realise about this race is that it’s a bit of a mission to get to. For us, it was an eight-hour drive from Yorkshire, but many runners fly into Inverness Airport and hire a car, which is much quicker. The journey is all part of the adventure though. Driving through Scotland with mountains, lochs, and the odd Highland cow along the way made the long trip totally worth it.
If you’re planning to run Loch Ness, I’d recommend arriving at least a day or two before. Not only do you need to pick up your race pack at the expo, but it also gives you time to settle in, explore Inverness, and rest your legs before race day.
Race Expo and Number Pick-Up
Unlike some marathons, the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon doesn’t post out race numbers, so you’ll need to collect yours at the event expo. The expo isn’t massive, but it’s got all the essentials – from last-minute gels and nutrition to official merch if you fancy a race t-shirt or hoodie. The process was smooth and well-organised, and since numbers were emailed out in advance, it only took a few minutes to collect everything.
The expo also has a friendly, local feel. I always love seeing runners from all over the world mingling before a race, chatting about training, injuries and travel. It makes the event feel extra special, like you’re part of something bigger than just a run.
Race Morning: The Start Line
Race day kicked off early with a 6:45 am bus ride from Inverness. Along with around 4,000 other runners, we piled onto coaches that took us to the start line between Fort Augustus and Foyers. The journey itself felt surreal – watching the sun rise and mist roll across Loch Ness while knowing you’d soon be running back through it.
One of the loveliest touches was the free tea at the start line. Yes, you read that right – tea before a marathon! Standing there in the chilly Highland air, clutching a steaming cup, chatting nervously with other runners – it was a perfect start.
Bagpipes, Quiet Roads, and That Downhill Start
At 10 am sharp, the sound of bagpipes filled the air and we were off. I don’t think you get a more Scottish marathon start than that! The first few miles are steeply downhill, which feels brilliant at the time but absolutely hammers the quads later on.
One thing to note is that the Loch Ness Marathon is pretty quiet in terms of crowds. Don’t expect huge lines of spectators like in London or Manchester. Instead, you get peaceful, closed roads with the occasional bagpiper or friendly villager cheering you on. Personally, I loved the calm – it gave me time to soak in the scenery and focus on the run.
The Scenery: Running Through the Highlands
This is where Loch Ness Marathon really shines. The point-to-point course takes you on a journey through the Highlands, and it honestly feels like running through a postcard. Rolling hills, sweeping views of Loch Ness itself, and stretches of woodland all add up to make this one of the most beautiful marathons you can do.
Of course, the beauty comes with a price – hills. And lots of them.
Let’s Talk About the Hills
The first half of the race is hilly but manageable, with short, sharp inclines that keep things interesting. But then comes the infamous hill at mile 17. It’s about three miles long and feels endless. Just when you conquer that, another steeper climb at mile 18 shows up to test your mental strength.
This section was the toughest part of the race for me. My legs were heavy, the rain had started, and the miles seemed to stretch out. But this is where the running community comes into its own. I struck up conversations with other runners, and we kept each other going by breaking the hills down into smaller sections. “Just get to that tree… now that lamppost… okay, now the next corner.”
If you’re training for Loch Ness, I’d definitely recommend hill training. Those climbs will test you, but the reward of finishing is worth every step.
Weather: Classic Scotland
The weather was, well, typically Scottish. A mix of drizzle, chilly wind, and the odd sunny patch. It added another layer of challenge but also made the atmosphere feel more authentic. You can’t run a marathon in the Highlands and expect perfect conditions!
Crossing the Finish Line
After 26.2 miles of ups, downs, and stunning scenery, crossing the finish line in Inverness was pure relief and joy. It wasn’t my fastest marathon by any stretch, but it felt like one of my most rewarding.
The medal did not disappoint either – a shiny design featuring the Loch Ness Monster. For me, that alone was worth the trip.
Post-Race Atmosphere
The event village in Inverness was buzzing. I picked up my goody bag, grabbed a coffee, and soaked up the atmosphere while waiting for my friends to finish. There was a hot post-race meal on offer (chilli and rice), but I never have much of an appetite straight after running 26.2 miles. Still, plenty of people tucked in and seemed to enjoy it.
The support from volunteers and organisers was fantastic throughout the whole event. From the bus ride to the finish line, everything felt smooth and well put together.
Would I Run the Loch Ness Marathon Again?
Honestly? Yes. The only thing that might hold me back is the travel distance, but in terms of scenery, atmosphere, and overall experience, the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon is up there with my favourite races.
It’s not an easy course – the hills are brutal and the weather can be unpredictable – but that’s what makes it so special. If you’re looking for a marathon that’s about more than just a finish time, one that takes you on a true running adventure through some of the UK’s most breathtaking landscapes, then Loch Ness is the one.
Loch Ness Marathon review in a nutshell:
Stunning scenery, challenging hills, great organisation and a medal you’ll treasure forever.
If you’ve got this race on your bucket list, go for it – the monster’s waiting!
