Andy Devaney
The Highlands have once again played host to one of the most breathtaking spectacles in British sport, as the 2025 Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running turned Inverness into a sea of Lycra, sweat, and sheer bloody-minded determination.
With 10,700 runners pounding pavements, hills, and the legendary shoreline, the event smashed records and cemented its place as a must-run fixture on the calendar.
If you think marathons are all pain and porridge, think again. This year’s edition had everything: from elite record-breakers to five-year-olds toddling their way through the Wee Nessie run, proving the only thing bigger than Loch Ness itself is the spirit of this festival.
Records, titles, and a touch of Highland magic
The men’s marathon saw Alex Milne of Hercules Wimbledon AC storm the course like a man possessed, obliterating the record with a blistering 2:15:46. Meanwhile, in the women’s race, Melissah Gibson of 100 Marathon Club made it a hat-trick, defending her crown for the third consecutive year in 2:43:08. That’s dominance with tartan trim.
Not to be outdone, the Baxters River Ness 10K delivered a spectacle of its own, with Aberdeen AAC’s Sean Chalmers clocking a sharp 28:59, while Caitlyn Heggie of Inverness Harriers crossed in 36:04 to take the women’s title.
The 5K saw Lachlan Thomas (Ross County AC, 16:16) and Hayleigh Reid (Young Meldrum Runners, 19:06) claim top honours, cheered on by a crowd that was half-local pride, half-Herculean bagpipe endurance.
Even the under-fives had their day in the mud, with 300 tiny terrors sprinting, waddling, and occasionally stumbling across Bught Park for the ever-popular Wee Nessie run.
With over half of the 5K field under the age of 18, the event is starting to look less like a race and more like Scotland’s answer to a cradle-to-grave fitness plan.
“A celebration of running and community spirit”
Malcolm Sutherland, CEO at Caledonian Concepts, couldn’t have been prouder of the turnout: “What an incredible weekend we’ve had here in the Highlands. The Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running continues to go from strength to strength, and this year we’ve once again seen an amazing turnout from across Scotland, the UK and beyond.
The atmosphere in Inverness and along the shores of Loch Ness was truly special, with thousands of participants, supporters and volunteers all coming together to create a celebration of running and community spirit. It’s always inspiring to see people of all ages and abilities enjoying the event, and I’m immensely proud of everyone who played their part in making 2025 such a success.”
It wasn’t just the organisers soaking up the glory. For charities like Macmillan Cancer Support, the event was as much about heart as it was about legs.
Lizzie Taylor, Challenge Events Programme Manager for Macmillan, said: “A huge thank you to all our amazing runners who have completed the 2025 Loch Ness Marathon for Macmillan Cancer Support. Your dedication and generosity help us be there for people living with cancer when they need us most. It’s been an incredible day – we hope you’re resting up and feeling proud of everything you’ve achieved!”
And then there was Audrey Baxter, whose family brand has been fuelling both runners and spectators for years, delivering soup and sustenance with the same pride they sponsor the event: “Baxters’ ethos is to ‘be different, be better’ and every year we are greatly inspired by those who take part in this fantastic event and challenge themselves to achieve exactly that!
The atmosphere and buzz in the area over race weekend is second to none and 2025 was no exception. Huge congratulations to all of the runners who completed races this year and well done to everyone involved in delivering another successful and enjoyable event.”
A Highland festival, not just a race
Beyond the finish line, the Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running proved it’s more than just pounding the tarmac. Runners and spectators alike tucked into street food, tapped their toes to live music, listened to pipes and drums, and even caught Q&As with sporting personalities.
Add in the local expo and family-friendly activities, and you’ve got a weekend that feels more like Glastonbury with electrolytes.
Eyes on 2026
With records broken and spirits soaring, Inverness is already looking ahead. Early bird entries for the 2026 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon, 10K and 5K—taking place Sunday 27 September—are now open.
Judging by this year’s sell-out crowds, you’ll want to move faster than Milne on the home stretch to secure a spot: www.lochnessmarathon.com.
