Loch Ness Marathon 2026: Race start times, event village information, parking and how to enter next year
It’s going to be the biggest in the event’s history.
Excitement is building in the Highlands ahead of the sold out Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running.
Taking place this weekend, the marathon is famed for its spectacular 26.2-mile point-to-point route starting near Fort Augustus, winding along the world-famous shores of Loch Ness, and finishing in the heart of Inverness.
A record-breaking total of 11,100 participants will take part across the festival weekend, including 6,000 running the flagship marathon distance, with over half of all runners travelling to the event from outwith Scotland.
Thousands of pounds are once again expected to be raised for charity, including the event’s official charity partner: Macmillan Cancer Support, alongside 30 other participating charities.
Malcolm Sutherland, CEO at Caledonian Concepts said: "The atmosphere in Inverness across the weekend is always extraordinary, and to see the event sell out once again is brilliant. Year after year, participants of all ages and abilities come together to experience the challenge, scenery, and vibrant community spirit of the Highlands - brought to life by our incredible volunteers. We are set for a fantastic Festival of Running."
Audrey Baxter, Executive Chairman & Group CEO of title sponsor, Baxters Food Group, added: “For almost quarter of a century we have been proud sponsors of this iconic event, which has provided the perfect platform to demonstrate our ethos to ‘be different, be better’. We would like to wish all the runners, from near and far and especially those from Baxters, who are lining up this weekend to emulate the spirit of that ethos, the very best of luck!”
Here’s everything you need to know about the day.
When is the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running?
This year the event takes place on Sunday, September 27
What races are being held at the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running?
Alongside the flagship distance, 3,000 runners will take on the Baxters River Ness 10K and Corporate Challenge, while 1,800 participants will line up for the River Ness 5K. 300 of the youngest runners will take part in the popular Wee Nessie event for under-fives.
What are the event timings for the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running?
Here are all the times you need to know - and where you’ll need to be.
- 8.30-10am: 10K Info Point open at 10K start (Inverness Royal Academy)
- 8.30-9.45am: 10K participants arrive at 10K start (Inverness Royal Academy)
- 9am-4pm: Event Village open including the Expo, street food, kids’ activities and live music (Bught Park)
- 9.30am: Start of Baxters River Ness 5K (Bught Park)
- 9.45am: Start of Wee Nessie (Bught Park)
- 10am: Start of Baxters Loch Ness Marathon (Near Whitebridge, South Loch Ness)
- 10.30am: Start of Baxters River Ness 10K and Corporate Challenge (Culduthel Avenue)
- 11.30am-2.45pm: Free shuttle bus service from Event Village back to 10K start for those who need to collect their cars after the event (Inverness Ice Centre)
- 11.45am 10K/Corporate Challenge presentation (Event Village, Bught Park)
- 2pm: Loch Ness Marathon presentation (Event Village, Bught Park)
What else is happening at the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running?
In addition to the running events, the weekend festivities kick off on Saturday at Bught Park with the Runners Cafe and Sports Expo. Hosted by BBC Scotland's Bryan Burnett, the day will feature Q&As, entertainment, a pipe band, food from local vendors, and the Expo for any last-minute kit needs alongside family-friendly activities-creating a true Highland celebration for participants, spectators, and the local community alike.
Where can I park for the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running?
There will be no parking available at the Event Village at Bught Park. There is also no parking at the Ice Centre, Inverness Leisure, Archive Centre, Whin Park, Highland Rugby Club or in the surrounding residential streets.
Organisers have encouraged people to walk, cycle or car share to the Event Village to minimise disruption.
These are the available car parks closest to the Event Village:
- Old Town Rose Street Multi Storey
- Eastgate Centre Multi Storey
- Cathedral Car Park
- Highland Council HQ Car Park
- Torvean Car Park
If you are looking to park near the 10K start then make your way to Inverness Royal Academy where signs and marshals will direct you to the parking areas. The parking is around 10 minutes walk from the start line.
After the race there will be free shuttle buses from the Event Village back to Inverness Royal Academy.
How can I take place in the Loch Ness Marathon 2027?
If you missed out on the chance to run this year’s race you can already register your interest in the 2027 event here and bag an early spot.
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