Join us at the Loch Ness Marathon 2024!
Join us at the Loch Ness Marathon 2024!
Charity places are still available for the Loch Ness Marathon, taking place on Sunday 29th September 2024.
The Loch Ness Marathon is a spectacular route through the heart of the highlands, and is one of the most scenic running routes in the UK. Why not take on the challenge and support our volunteer teams as they endeavour to save lives in Scotland’s outdoors?
Image: Crystal Silver, who completed the Loch Ness Marathon 2023
You’ll run along the length of Loch Ness through the surrounding leafy countryside to finish in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. The point-to-point course is a net downhill route (though with a couple of challenging uphills!), so it’s good for those chasing a personal best. With all summer to train, now is the perfect time to sign up for the challenge.
(Image taken from the organiser’s website: https://lochnessmarathon.com)
We got in touch with some of our wonderful Loch Ness Marathon 2024 entrants so hear a bit about them, and why they decided to fundraise for Scottish Mountain Rescue…
Image: Kate | @katelightfoot on Instagram
Kate writes:
I ran my first ever 10k last year at this event and absolutely caught the running bug – the supporters, marshals and fellow runners are all incredibly supportive and really gave me a boost. I finished the race on such a high that I decided this year I’d run the marathon!
Being lucky enough to grow up in the Cairngorms National Park, I’ve always been in and around the mountains whether that be hiking, cycling, or now running. Like many, I am probably rather ignorant about the risks they pose. Thankfully I’ve never been in a position where I’ve had to phone Mountain Rescue myself, but I’m in awe of the work that the volunteers do, no matter what the conditions.
Image: James | @jamesmcgroarty_
James writes:
Running a marathon is one of my goals for 2024. I couldn’t think of a more fitting way to do that other than participating in the Loch Ness Marathon.
I am a lover of the great outdoors and a Munro ‘compleatist’.
“The Scottish Mountain Rescue teams are real life super heroes who do incredible and courageous things.“
Image: Emily Freeman | @emilyjune188
Emily writes:
My name is Emily, I’m a mixed practice veterinary surgeon and to say that I love the outdoors is stating the obvious. I find connecting with nature and appreciating the natural beauty of the world allows us to step back from our busy lives and improve our overall wellbeing. While I’ve always enjoyed spending time outside growing up in rural northern California, Scotland is the place where I truly fell in love with the outdoors. From gorgeous glens to majestic munros, I honestly can’t get enough of this beautiful place I’m lucky enough to call home.
“As someone who loves the outdoors and has spent countless hours in the mountains, providing support for Scottish Mountain Rescue is a cause that is very close to my heart.”
In September 2024 I will be running my first marathon at the Loch Ness marathon to raise funds to support SMR. Completing a marathon would be a wonderful achievement in itself; but running a marathon to support SMR as they help to keep us outdoor lovers safe, is truly an honour.
Image: Emily Freeman | @emilyjune188
Conner writes:
I love the outdoors and running! I want to break 3 hours over marathon distance after my debut at Edinburgh marathon being 3.15.31. I chose mountain rescue as a charity because I love exploring the cairngorms and I can imagine it’s hard work if they have to find someone especially in the winter months. I also chose Loch Ness marathon as I am Scottish and would like to say I’ve ran the Loch Ness Marathon and to get more experienced over the marathon distance as I am only 20 years old.
Image: Conner at the Edinburgh Marathon 2024
Thank you to all our wonderful fundraisers above for sharing their story. We can’t wait to see how you get on in September!
Would you like to join our fundraisers at this year’s Loch Ness Marathon?
Your fundraising will power our volunteer teams as they respond any hour of any day to help those in need in Scotland’s outdoors.
Our highly trained volunteers donate their time and expertise at no cost, but we rely on your support to train them, provide personal accident insurance, supply essential equipment, and offer operational assistance.
3 out of 5 rescues are funded by donations from supporters and fundraisers.
Will you go the extra mile (or 26!) to help our volunteers save lives?
Image: Crystal Silver approaching the finish line at the Loch Ness Marathon 2023
How to sign up:
For just a small registration fee, you can take up your charity place with Scottish Mountain Rescue at the Loch Ness Marathon:
Full Marathon – Registration fee £35, Minimum sponsorship amount £300
Contact us on fundraising@scottishmountainrescue.org to apply for a Scottish Mountain Rescue charity place at the Loch Ness Marathon 2024. Once your application has been received, we will be in touch to process your registration fee and provide you with a Scottish Mountain Rescue T-shirt and fundraising support.
If you’ve got any questions, please contact us at fundraising@scottishmountainrescue.org, or call 07846 653000.