Loch Ness Marathon

Location: Loch Ness
Country: United Kingdom
Website: https://lochnessmarathon.com/
2025 Marathon Date: 27/09/25
2026 Marathon Date: 27/09/26
Winning Time 2025: 02:15:46
% Sub-3s: 2–5%
# Sub-3s: 50–99
Total Runners: 3k–10k

The Loch Ness Marathon is one of the UK’s most scenic races, following the shores of the world-famous Highland lake. Its dramatic backdrop and distinctive point-to-point course make it a unique experience that attracts runners from across the country and abroad.

The route begins near Whitebridge, set in the hills south of Loch Ness, and descends towards Inverness, finishing in the city centre. Although the profile features a net downhill, it is not an all-out fast course: rolling terrain and long undulations test pacing discipline, while the rural setting demands focus and resilience. For sub-3 athletes, the challenge is to remain steady through the early descent, conserve energy on the climbs, and stay controlled as the course levels towards the finish.

Crowd support is limited in the remote stretches, but the scenery and quiet roads provide their own atmosphere. The reception in Inverness is lively, with spectators lining the streets as runners complete the final kilometres. Organisation is professional, with clear logistics for the point-to-point transport and regular aid stations along the course.

For those chasing sub-3, the Loch Ness Marathon is not the fastest option, but it offers something different: a memorable race in a spectacular setting. It rewards strength, composure and the ability to manage effort across varied terrain, making it a challenging but rewarding addition to the European marathon calendar.