Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival Of Running Returns To The Highlands This Weekend

September 25, 2025

The sold out event will bring thousands to one of the world’s most iconic running events on Sunday 28 September 2025

United Kingdom (September 25, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running returns to Inverness this weekend, welcoming over 10,700 participants from across the globe to the Highlands for one of the UK’s most iconic and scenic running experiences.

Taking place on Sunday 28 September 2025, the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon is famed for its spectacular 26.2-mile point-to-point route that begins in the rugged hills near Fort Augustus and winds along the shores of Loch Ness before finishing in the heart of Inverness. Known for its breathtaking scenery, friendly atmosphere and powerful sense of occasion, it continues to be a true bucket-list event.

This year’s sold out event has seen a record 5,800 entries for the marathon and a record 10,700 entries across all distances, underlining the growing appeal of the Festival of Running. The event continues to attract a global community, with 50% of marathon participants travelling from outside Scotland and an incredible 82 nationalities represented. A third of the 5K entries are from local schools and youth clubs showcasing the strong community spirit at the heart of the festival.

Among those lining up this weekend are several familiar names returning to defend their titles and chase new personal bests. In the Baxters River Ness 10K, course record holder Logan Rees (Fife Athletics Club) is back after taking first place in 2024, joined by Max Abernethy (Aberdeen AAC), who finished second last year, and teammate Sean Chalmers, a previous top-three finisher. The women’s 10K will see Caitlyn Heggie (Inverness Harriers), last year’s first female finisher, go head-to-head once again with Robyn Pinder (Metro Aberdeen Running Club), who secured second place in 2024. In the marathon, Melissah Gibson (Ealing Eagles/100 Marathon Club) returns as the reigning women’s champion after back-to-back wins in 2023 and 2024, while in the men’s field Shaun Cumming (East Sutherland AC), runner-up last year, and Lachlan Oates (Shettleston Harriers), a former 10K champion, will also be looking to make their mark over the 26.2-mile course.

Thousands of pounds are also expected to be raised for charity this weekend. The official charity partner for 2025 is Macmillan Cancer Support, with other partners including Alzheimer Scotland, Cancer Research UK, Cystic Fibrosis Trust, Highland Hospice, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and Parkinson’s UK, alongside more than 30 further charities. With hundreds running to support these causes, participants will be making a real difference to communities across Scotland and the UK while taking part in one of the most memorable events on the sporting calendar.

Alongside the marathon, the weekend offers distances for all ages and abilities, including the Baxters River Ness 10K, River Ness 5K, 10K Corporate Challenge, and the ever-popular Wee Nessie fun run for children aged 5 and under. The weekend festivities also include the Runners Cafe and Sports Expo on Saturday offering local food, entertainment, and family-friendly activities at Bught Park – creating a true Highland celebration for runners, spectators, and the local community alike.

Malcolm Sutherland, CEO of Caledonian Concepts said “We’re absolutely thrilled to be welcoming thousands of participants back to the Highlands for this year’s Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running. The atmosphere in Inverness across the weekend is always something very special, with people of all ages and abilities coming together to enjoy the challenge, the scenery, and the incredible community spirit. Whether it’s the marathon, 10K, 5K or Wee Nessie, every distance captures the magic of Loch Ness – and we can’t wait to see that energy fill the city once again this weekend.”

Audrey Baxter, Executive Chairman & Group CEO of title sponsor, Baxters Food Group, said: “With its stunning setting along the banks of Loch Ness and unrivalled atmosphere, the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running is an event like no other. We look forward to the excitement and buzz the occasion brings to the area as participants gear up for great’ness and we wish each and every one of them all the very best for event day.”

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Contact Information:

For more information please contact Laura Price laura@keepcomms.com +44 7444 954 275.