Next race
Sunday, 26 September 2027
10:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Point-to-point scenic road
Elevation
Net downhill · 310 m gain
310 m climbing
Race profile
The Loch Ness Marathon draws approximately 2,500 finishers each September on a point-to-point scenic road in Inverness, United Kingdom. The point-to-point Highlands scenery is the race's defining draw. The course passes long stretches beside Loch Ness, Highland moorland, and the river approach into Inverness. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
Loch Ness Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Approximately 2,500 finishers
Course & terrain
Starts near Fort Augustus and finishes in Inverness. The course passes long stretches beside Loch Ness, Highland moorland, and the river approach into Inverness. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
The Loch Ness Marathon course is net downhill over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 310 metres of climbing and 614 metres of descent, with a net descent of 304 metres from start to finish.
Net downhill · 310 m gain — approx. 15 m above sea level
↑ 310 m · ↓ 614 m · net −304 m
Registration
The Loch Ness Marathon uses open online registration at lochnessmarathon.com with no ballot or qualifying time for the general field. Sign-up for the September race typically opens the previous year and places are allocated first-come, first-served. The event routinely sells out given strong demand, so early registration is advisable.
Getting there
Inverness, Highland (INV)
Inverness Airport
13 km / 8 mi
Common questions
Official resources
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
Other races closest to Inverness.
The Edinburgh Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 30k finishers on an urban road in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. The course starts in Edinburgh and finishes in Musselburgh on the coast — point-to-point. Hilly only in the first few miles leaving Edinburgh.
Next race: Sunday, 30 May 2027
The Belfast Marathon draws approximately 2,200 finishers on an urban road in Belfast, United Kingdom. The course starts and finishes at the City Hall. The route passes the Titanic Quarter, Stormont, and the Lagan towpath. Mostly flat with gentle undulations.
Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027
The Yorkshire Marathon attracts about 6,500 finishers each October on a scenic loop through the Yorkshire Wolds and York city centre. The course passes York Minster, the medieval city walls, and the rolling East Yorkshire countryside. October autumn colours and a fast but rolling profile make it one of England's most popular autumn marathons.
Next race: Sunday, 18 October 2026
The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon honours the Leeds Rhinos rugby league legend and MND campaigner, drawing approximately 4,380 finishers each May through Yorkshire's largest city. The course passes Kirkstall Abbey, Roundhay Park, and the Leeds city centre before finishing outside Headingley Stadium. May's Yorkshire spring and enthusiastic local crowds make it one of northern England's most emotional community marathons.
Next race: Sunday, 9 May 2027
The Manchester Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 28k finishers on an urban road in Manchester, United Kingdom. The course starts and finishes at Old Trafford. One of the UK's fastest courses, with no significant hills.
Next race: Sunday, 18 April 2027
Planning guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
Match a race to your goals — personal bests, sightseeing, atmosphere, or a major milestone — using course data and realistic expectations.
