Another Monster Year at the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon

The Highlands played host once again to one of the most captivating weekends in the sporting calendar as the 2025 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running returned in emphatic style. What began as a passion project has grown into a world-renowned celebration of endurance, community and scenery, and this year it delivered its biggest edition yet.

More than 10,700 runners travelled from across the globe to take part in the sold-out weekend. From the sweeping roads that hug Loch Ness to the lively streets of Inverness, participants embraced the challenge in every distance on offer. The festival atmosphere spread across the marathon, the River Ness 10K and 5K, and even the Wee Nessie run that welcomed the youngest competitors. Families, charity fundraisers and seasoned athletes all found their place on the start line.

The marathon itself produced moments that will be remembered long after the finish line tape was cut. Alex Milne of Hercules Wimbledon AC carved his name into the history books with a course record of 02:15:46, while Melissah Gibson of the 100 Marathon Club continued her remarkable streak, defending her crown for a third consecutive year in 02:43:08. The River Ness 10K saw Sean Chalmers of Aberdeen AAC cross first in 00:28:59, with Caitlyn Heggie of Inverness Harriers leading the women’s field in 00:36:04. Over in the 5K, Lachlan Thomas of Ross County AC and Hayleigh Reid of Young Meldrum Runners took top honours, while hundreds of young runners kept the festival spirit alive.

For many, the greatest victories were not measured by time but by participation. One third of the 5K entries came through schools and local clubs, with more than half of all entrants under the age of eighteen. At Bught Park, 300 under-fives proudly completed the Wee Nessie, showing that the future of running in the Highlands is in safe hands.

Malcolm Sutherland, CEO at Caledonian Concepts, reflected on a weekend that once again captured imaginations. He described the event as an incredible gathering that brought together thousands from across Scotland, the UK and beyond. The atmosphere around Inverness and along the shores of Loch Ness, he said, was truly special, made possible by the combined efforts of participants, supporters and volunteers.

The sense of purpose stretched beyond personal achievement. Lizzie Taylor, Challenge Events Programme Manager for Macmillan Cancer Support, paid tribute to the runners raising money for the charity. She praised their dedication and generosity, reminding them that their efforts allow Macmillan to support people living with cancer when they need it most.

For Baxters, the event continues to embody the brand’s ethos of striving to be different and better. Executive Chairman and Group CEO Audrey Baxter said the atmosphere and buzz in the area over race weekend is second to none and 2025 was no exception. She congratulated every runner and applauded the team who made this year’s edition such a success.

The festival beyond the racecourse was just as vibrant. Visitors enjoyed live Q&As, an expo filled with the latest gear, street food stalls, music and the unmistakable sound of pipes and drums. Families gathered for activities that turned the marathon into a true Highland celebration, proving once again that the event is about more than running alone.

With another record-breaking year complete, the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running has strengthened its reputation as one of the UK’s most iconic fixtures. Early bird entry for the 2026 edition, which takes place on Sunday 27 September, is now open, and if history is anything to go by, places will not remain available for long.