The Loch Ness Monster is a famous mythical beast that inhabits a highland lake in Scotland—some swear it’s real, while many more believe it’s a figment of the imagination. Regardless of how you feel about cryptozoology, Loch Ness is also home to a marathon that boasts a beautifully scenic location, a cool climate for running, and a fun kitsch factor.
What is the Loch Ness Monster?
The Loch Ness Monster is thought to be a large aquatic monster living in Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands; loch is the Scottish word for lake. The lake is the second-largest in Scotland, but the largest in the British Isles by volume of water. It’s situated around 20 miles south of Inverness, often considered the capital of the Highlands and a jumping-off point for travelers touring the region.
A part of local lore for generations, the first written documentation of the Loch Ness Monster dates to 565 AD, when it was mentioned in a biography of St. Columba. Supposedly, St. Columba saved a man from being attacked by the Loch Ness Monster by commanding it to go back into the water and leave the man alone.
The story goes that, as the area became more developed and easier to access with roads, reports of monster sightings became more common. Then, as photography became more common, pictures claiming to show the Loch Ness Monster proliferated. Today, the Loch Ness Monster is commonly called Nessie. People hoping to catch a glimpse of the monster—and those who enjoy tall tales and legends—bring plenty of tourist activity to Loch Ness.
About the Race
The Loch Ness Marathon is a point-to-point race that takes participants along the southeast shore of Loch Ness, over the River Ness, and into the city of Inverness, ending there. In the course of the marathon, runners traverse windswept moors, highlands, the shores of the loch, and city streets. The route profile reveals an overall drop in altitude from start to finish, with some rolling hills between miles 18 and 22.
Organizers note that runners must be 18 to compete in the marathon. The entry fee includes transportation from the city of Inverness or select locations along Loch Ness to the starting point, baggage transportation from the starting point to the finish, a finisher’s medal, a t-shirt, water and snacks along the racecourse, and food at the finish. Entry to a festival at the finish line is also included.
According to the race rules, runners must complete the course in no more than seven hours. The use of headphones and earphones is not allowed, nor are cyclists allowed to accompany runners. Strollers and wheelchairs are also prohibited from the course, as are dogs. However, there are portable toilets available throughout the racecourse, and in addition, runners are allowed to wear costumes if they would like.
Other Events
In addition to the marathon, there is a 10K, 5K, and children’s race available. The10K is intended for runners aged 15 and up and offers a flat, point-to-point route that includes both running along the shore of Loch Ness and in the city of Inverness. Assistance dogs are allowed on the 10K course. Meanwhile, the 5K is centered along the River Ness within the city of Inverness and is open to participants of any age, as well as wheelchair participants. The 5K also allows strollers and assistance dogs. Finally, the children’s race, called the Wee Nessie, is an 800-meter run, walk, or toddle through a park for children aged five and under, with strollers permitted.
After the Race
Rest and recovery is an important aspect to any fitness routine, and thankfully the race organizers seem aware of this. Massages are available after the race on first-come, first-served basis. Taking some time to relax the muscles after a long race is always recommended.
In addition, a post-race festival is open to the public in the city of Inverness. The festivities include a sports expo, which features running-related products and displays by those offering fitness services. Street foods, such as soups, burgers, ice cream, and homemade baked goods, as well as adult beverages, are also available. Live music is also offered, including, fittingly, a bagpipe band. Finally, a variety of kid-appropriate activities are featured as well.
If you’ve never been to Scotland, take time to build a vacation around the marathon. There’s plenty to do in the Highlands: you can tour historic castles, sample authentic Scotch whisky, fish for trout and salmon, or cruise the lake itself. If you’re not too tired, the hiking and cycling opportunities are plentiful and include routes like the Loch Ness 360 Trail, which loops around the lake for 80 miles. If you enjoy watersports, you can rent a canoe or kayak and paddle 60 miles of the Caledonian Canal on the Great Glen Canoe Trail. Not far away, southeast of Inverness is Cairngorms National Park, which preserves the rugged mountain range of the same name.
Lodging is plentiful in Inverness and around Loch Ness; choose from historic castles, B&Bs, luxury hotels, rural cottages, budget accommodations, and rustic campgrounds. Whatever your preference, you’re sure to find something to suit you.