From Rebecca Mon-Williams…

For anyone wanting to combine a mini break in the Highlands with a long road race, I can’t recommend the Loch Ness Marathon highly enough.  

Starting in the hills to the north of Fort Augustus, the race makes its way steadily downwards to the shores of Loch Ness and on towards the highland capital, Inverness. Although it is net downward descent don’t think PB as it’s pretty bobbly throughout and if you haven’t got much in the tank towards the end, the hill at mile 18 can seem relentless. However, the scenery more than makes up for the pain! The event is super well organised, really friendly, and there’s a nice bowl of soup at the end (the race is sponsored by Baxters of course!), as well as the obligatory medal and goody bag. The T-shirt is optional thank goodness.

Competitors are bussed to the start from various locations. One of the pick-up points is at Drumnadrochit. We stayed at the Loch Ness Lodge where they take their dedication to tartan and all things Scottish, seriously. There was also a ‘life size model’ (though who knows?!) of Nessie in the car park, which seemed to add to the occasion. No sightings on the race route though!  

I was happy to run the race pretty steadily, enjoy the scenery, and get in under four hours. A good day out.

Results:

1st Male: Moray Pryde 2.22.04

1st Female: Melissah Gibson 2.45.43

Rebecca Mon-Williams 3.50.01 (chip time)

3502 finishers