Baxters Loch Ness Marathon 2026, Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom
Overview
The Baxters Loch Ness Marathon is widely regarded as one of the most scenic and atmospheric marathons in the world, leading runners through the breathtaking scenery of the Scottish Highlands. The point-to-point course begins in a remote atmospheric moorland setting between Fort Augustus and Foyers, then winds along the tranquil southeastern shores of the legendary Loch Ness. The 2026 edition continues its legacy as a bucket-list event, offering participants a unique sense of isolation and natural beauty before finishing in the vibrant highland capital of Inverness.
This event is far more than just a race; it is a full festival of running that celebrates the spirit of the Highlands. Alongside the main 42 km distance, the weekend includes the River Ness 10 km, the 5 km Corporate Challenge, and the Wee Nessie kids’ race, ensuring a distance for every age and ability. The atmosphere is famously friendly, characterized by traditional Scottish hospitality, piper bands along the route, and a massive post-race festival featuring local food and drink at Bught Park, making it a highlight of the British sporting calendar.
Event Highlights
- Remote Highlands Start: Experience the silence of the Scottish moors as you begin your journey in a high-altitude wilderness setting before descending toward the Loch.
- Loch Side Running: Enjoy over 15 kilometers of the route directly alongside the banks of Loch Ness, providing constant views of the deep water and surrounding forest.
- Inverness Grand Finale: Cross the River Ness and run through the heart of the city to a cheering crowd at the finish line in Bught Park.
- Festival of Running Expo: Visit the dedicated event village on the Saturday before the race for expert talks, local crafts, and the famous Baxters pasta party.
Why Attend
Nature lovers and marathon enthusiasts should attend this event to experience a race that prioritizes stunning landscapes over urban congestion. The Loch Ness Marathon is famous for its “downhill” start, which helps runners find their rhythm early, though the rolling terrain in the final stages provides a fair challenge for those chasing a personal best. It is a perfect opportunity to combine a world-class athletic achievement with a holiday in one of the most mysterious and beautiful regions of the United Kingdom.
Enjoy Your Event Stress-Free with Euro Travelo
Planning a trip to attend a festival, concert, or business event in Europe can be overwhelming—tickets, travel, accommodation, and local logistics all take time and effort. Euro Travelo makes it simple by providing everything you need through one trusted company. You save time, avoid stress, and enjoy a seamless experience from start to finish.
Why Choose Euro Travelo:
- Secure and easy ticket booking for concerts, festivals, theaters, and business events.
- Complete travel planning including flights, trains, and local transportation.
- Accommodation arrangements near event venues, tailored to your needs.
- Convenient local transfers, from airport pickups to private shuttles.
- On-site concierge support to help you navigate venues and schedules.
- Custom itineraries and experience packages combining multiple events, tours, and activities.
- Secure payment process, making it safe and convenient to book all services online.
- Flexibility: even if you need only one service, we can assist individually.
The event is particularly praised for its meticulous organization, including a fleet of buses that transport all runners from the city center to the remote start line, ensuring a stress-free experience. Whether you are looking to spot the famous monster or simply want to breathe the crisp highland air, the sense of camaraderie among participants is unmatched. It is an ideal destination for international travelers seeking an authentic Scottish experience, complete with medals featuring Celtic designs and a celebratory bowl of hot soup at the finish.
Date & Duration
- Event Date: The marathon and associated races will take place on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
- Marathon Start: Runners are transported to the start between 7:00 AM and 7:30 AM, with the race officially beginning at 10:00 AM.
Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom.
- Venue: Start is in the Highlands (point-to-point); Finish at Bught Park, Inverness.
- Google Maps Address: Bught Park, Bught Road, Inverness IV3 5SQ, United Kingdom.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Registration is conducted online through the official race website and usually opens shortly after the previous year’s event.
- Admission Type: Entries are available for the Full Marathon, River Ness 10 km, 10 km Corporate Challenge, 5 km, and Wee Nessie.
- Ticket Pricing: Marathon entry fees typically range from $85.00 to $110.00; 10 km entries are approximately $45.00 to $55.00.
- Free Admission: Spectators can enjoy the finish line festivities and watch the race along the Inverness city sections for free.
- Special Seating or VIP Options: While there is no traditional VIP seating, many participants opt for the Baxters Pasta Party tickets on Saturday for approximately $20.00.
Booking with Euro Travelo
Looking to attend this event hassle-free? Euro Travelo can help you secure tickets, arrange travel, and manage your trip from start to finish. Whether it’s a business conference, trade show, or cultural festival, our team makes it easy for international visitors to join events across Europe. Contact Euro Travelo today to book your tickets and travel arrangements.
Contact Information
- Email: info@lochnessmarathon.com
- Phone: +44 7549 331473
- Website: https://lochnessmarathon.com/
- Social Media:
- https://www.facebook.com/lochnessmarathon
- https://www.instagram.com/lochnessmarathon/
- https://www.youtube.com/user/LochNessMarathon
Getting There
- Nearest Airports: Inverness Airport (INV), 15 km from the city center (approx. 20 minutes by taxi or bus); Aberdeen (ABZ) is approx. 2.5 hours away.
- Public Transport: Regular train services run from Edinburgh and Glasgow to Inverness Station; local buses connect the city center to Bught Park.
- Taxi/Rideshare: A taxi from Inverness Airport to the city center costs approximately $35.00 to $45.00; Uber is available but local taxi firms are more common.
- Parking: No parking is available at the start line; participants must park in Inverness city center garages (approx. $15.00/day) and use the official event buses.
- Other Access: Inverness is very walkable; the walk from the city center hotels to the bus departure point or the finish line is generally under 20 minutes.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Hotels: Ness Walk (5-star, 0.2 km from finish, opulent riverside hotel, approx. $350-550/night); Kingsmills Hotel (4-star, 1.5 km, historic estate with spa, approx. $220-350/night).
- Mid-Range Options: Glen Mhor Hotel (3-star, 0.8 km, traditional riverside townhouses, approx. $150-240/night); Jurys Inn Inverness (4-star, 2 km, approx. $130-210/night).
- Budget Stays: Black Isle Hostel (Hostel, 1 km, central and stylish, approx. $45-85/night); Travelodge Inverness City Centre (2-star, 0.9 km, approx. $80-130/night).
Reviews
- The quietness of the Highlands at the start line followed by the roar of the crowd in Inverness is a contrast I will never forget.
- Be prepared for the hill at mile 18; it is a challenge, but the views of the Loch make every step worth it.
- Unbelievable organization; the bus journey to the start felt like a guided tour of the beautiful Scottish countryside.
Attention!
We offer complete packages including Event Tickets, Accommodation, Transportation & more — so you don’t have to worry about anything.
Contact Us →Before you go, check these helpful travel products:
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
How do I get to the start line if I am staying in Inverness?
The Baxters Loch Ness Marathon is a point-to-point race, and the start is in a remote location. All marathon runners must be transported to the start line by the official event buses. These buses depart from the Ice Centre/Bught Park area in Inverness between 7:00 AM and 7:30 AM on Sunday morning. You will be assigned a specific bus departure time, and you must present your runner bib to board the bus.
Is there a time limit for completing the marathon?
There is a generous time limit of 7 hours for the marathon, which is calculated from the time the last runner crosses the start line. This makes the event accessible to walkers and joggers as well as elite athletes. However, please be aware that after certain times, marshals may ask you to move onto the pavement as roads begin to reopen to public traffic for safety reasons.
What happens to my bag while I am running?
When you board the bus at the start of the morning, you can take a small bag with you containing your warm-up clothes. Once you arrive at the start line, you will put these items into a drawstring bag provided by the organizers. You then hand this bag to the designated baggage lorries at the start line, which will transport your belongings back to the finish area at Bught Park for collection after your race.
Are there water and energy stations along the route?
Yes, hydration stations are located approximately every 5 kilometers along the course. These stations provide water in recyclable pouches, and several stations also offer sports drinks and energy gels. It is recommended to check the runner’s guide closer to the event for the exact locations of the nutrition stations so you can plan your fueling strategy accordingly.
What should I wear for the race given the Highlands weather?
The weather in the Highlands in late September can be very unpredictable. It is common to experience "four seasons in one day," ranging from bright sunshine to cold winds and rain. We strongly recommend bringing disposable warm clothing for the start line and wearing layers that you can easily manage. A lightweight waterproof jacket is a wise addition to your gear bag just in case the Scottish mist appears.
