Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running

This marathon takes place in Inverness, in the Scottish Highlands, where the landscape revolves around one of Scotland's most famous natural features. Loch Ness dominates the setting, and runners will experience the atmospheric terrain of this remote region. The event is embedded in the local community, with a festival atmosphere surrounding race day that extends beyond just the running itself. The course follows trails rather than roads, which immediately sets expectations for a different kind of marathon experience. It's largely flat to gently rolling, so while you won't face relentless climbing, the terrain is varied enough to keep things interesting. Elevation ranges from just 7 metres to 299 metres above sea level, meaning there are some rises to negotiate but nothing severe. Trail running demands more from your legs and concentration than road running does, so even a course that looks forgiving on the profile requires respect. Runners should prepare for uneven ground underfoot and the slower paces that typically come with trail marathons.