Running News Daily

Baxters Loch Ness marathon will take place this weekend after two years of delays due to pandemic

On Sunday October 3, the popular running event will finally return after two years of delays due to coronavirus. The event hosts the Baxters Loch Ness marathon, Baxters river ness 10k and corporate 10, and the river ness 5k run.

Almost 5000 people have signed up for the marathon this year - with 45.7 per-cent of those being from outside Scotland.

The weekend will host the Event Village at Bught park which has a sports expo, pipers and street food stalls for participants and spectators to enjoy.

The marathon route runs along Loch Ness, starting between Fort Augustus and Whitebridge, then moving along the south eastern shores of the loch to the river ness for the finish line in Inverness.

Event & Race Director, Malcolm Sutherland, said “We are so excited to finally welcome back runners to Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running!

“Of course, we have thorough Covid safety measures in place following Scottish Government guidelines. A Covid guide and an information video have now been sent to all participants and we appreciate everyone’s support in adhering to this guidance.”

Baxters are excited about the return of their event and wish all the participants luck for the weekend.

Road closures will be in place on Sunday between 7am and 4:30pm. All attendees are encouraged to be dropped off, or use recommendednded parking areas provided online.

2021 Loch Ness Marathon makes final call for entries

Those wishing to take part in the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running have until September 19 to sign up.

The event, which takes place on Sunday October 3 2021, includes the Marathon, Baxters River Ness 10K, 10K Corporate Challenge and Baxters River Ness 5K.

Making its return for the first time since 2019, the event will have enhanced safety measures and Covid guidelines in place. Typically attracting runners from around the globe, this year will see participants primarily from across the UK descend upon the Highland capital for one of the world’s most scenic marathons.

The Event Village will also be back for the event weekend, with highlights including a Sports Expo and a Festival on race day with street food and a pipe band.

Malcolm Sutherland, Event & Race Director of Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running, said: “We’re so excited for the return of the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running and to welcome everyone back to beautiful Loch Ness. It’s always great to see so many different people and abilities come together to enjoy the races and this year will be even more special.

“Of course, there will be Covid safety measures in place and all participants will receive guidelines outlining these measures.

“We’re now taking the last entries for the event so if you’ve been thinking about taking part in our 5K or 10K, then get involved! There are also some charity spaces still available in the marathon, which are a great way to raise money for fantastic charities, including our official charity, Macmillan Cancer Support.

“We wish all runners the best of luck with their final weeks of training and fundraising, and look forward to seeing them on the start line on October 3.”

Discounted entry for the Baxters River Ness 5K is also available for schools and youth groups and clubs and is open to all ages and running abilities.

Entries close on September 19, 2021 unless race capacity is reached sooner, with limited 5K entries available on the event weekend.

Baxters Loch Ness Marathon cancelled due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic

Organizers of the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running have today announced the cancellation of the 2020 event due to the challenges posed by the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.

Established in 2002, the event attracted a record 9,500 participants in 2019 with 60% of marathon runners coming from outside Scotland and 17% from overseas. The cancellation is the first in the event’s 18-year history. The event raised over GBP 1m (EUR 1.1m) for charity in 2019.

Following consultation with partner agencies, sponsors and stakeholders over the past few months during lockdown, the difficult decision was made based on the safety and welfare of all those involved in the event. The uncertainty over travel restrictions for the large number of participants who travel to Inverness and the Highlands from around the UK and abroad was also taken into account.

All those with a place in the 2020 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running will automatically be transferred to the 2021 event, scheduled to take place on 3rd October. All participants have been contacted by email today with further information.

Commenting on the decision, Malcolm Sutherland, Event & Race Director of Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running, said: “I would like to extend my thanks to all those signed up for the 2020 event for their patience and support during this uncertain and very challenging time. “It has been a difficult decision and not one we have taken lightly however the health, safety and welfare of our participants, volunteers, staff, charities and stakeholders is at the heart of everything we do and will always remain our priority. We feel it is our responsibility to protect everyone involved including our emergency services and local community which has always been so supportive.

“The Baxters Loch Ness Marathon is a highlight of the UK running calendar with one of the most spectacular marathon routes in the world and has also gained a reputation as one of the most memorable.

We pride ourselves on offering a very special Highland experience and we are concerned this would be lost were we to stage the event with all the necessary physical distancing measures and other restrictions in place. Instead, we will put our efforts into ensuring the 2021 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running is an outstanding experience for everyone.

“We also understand the many weeks of training required to prepare for this event, that many of you will be starting your 12-week training programme and many are fundraising for charity. We will therefore be working with our partner charities – Macmillan Cancer Support, Alzheimer Scotland, Cancer Research UK and the Highland Hospice and a host of other charities – to maximize fundraising in 2021.

“We really hope those due to take part this year will join us in 2021 – we can’t wait to see you then.”