Record-breaking 2026 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running celebrates Historic Sell-Out Event

Caroline Sutherland 27 Sep 2026
Inverness local, Olympian, and Commonwealth bronze medallist Megan Keith shatters the 10K course record in 31:24 as 11,100 runners from 45 countries take over the Highlands

The 2026 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running has capped off a record-breaking sell-out weekend in the Highlands, welcoming a historic 11,100 participants from 45 countries to Inverness and the shores of Loch Ness.

Participants of all ages and abilities took part in the event which offers a distance for everyone, with 6,000 marathon participants tackling the iconic 26.2-mile route, 3000 taking on the popular Baxters River Ness 10K and local school children and families taking part in the River Ness 5K and the popular Wee Nessie.

Renowned worldwide for its breathtaking scenery and electric Highland atmosphere, the event weekend showcased stellar performances from top athletes alongside inspirational personal achievements across all distances. Headlining the day's competitive action was Inverness's own Olympic athlete and Commonwealth bronze medallist Megan Keith, who thrilled home crowds in the Baxters River Ness 10K by taking first female place and setting an extraordinary new course record of 31:24.

Local youth engagement shone brightly throughout the weekend, with 26% of 5K participants registering through local schools and youth clubs, while 300 budding young athletes tackled the Wee Nessie course at Bught Park.

Highlighting the event’s global appeal, an impressive 58% of participants traveled from outside of Scotland, delivering a major economic boost to the region and showcasing the iconic Highland landscape on an international stage.

RESULTS

Baxters Loch Ness Marathon 

Male Category:

  • 1st: William Strangeway, Lincoln Wellington Athletic Club, 02:20:16

  • 2nd: Shaun Cumming, East Sutherland AC 02:21:10 

  • 3rd: David Webster, Dundee Roadrunners 02:28:21 

Female Category:

  • 1st: Hazel Wyness, Metro Aberdeen RC 02:52:05

  • 2nd: Briony Cornish 02:52:54

  • 3rd: Rosie Thorogood, Oxford University AC 02:53:59

    Baxters River Ness 10K

Male Category:

  • 1st: Logan Rees, Fife AC 00:28:52
  • 2nd: Max Abernethy, Aberdeen AAC 00:29:00
  • 3rd: Angus Smith, Corstorphine AAC 00:29:29

Female Category:

  • 1st: Megan Keith, Inverness Harriers AAC, 00:31:24 *new course record
  • 2nd: Charlotte-Rose Burton, Inverness Harriers AAC 00:36:17 

  • 3rd: Helen Leigh, Inverness Harriers AAC 00:36:30 

    Baxters River Ness 5K 

Male Category:

  • 1st: Joe Murray, Young Meldrum Runners 00:16:13
  • 2nd: Archie Grant, Inverness Harriers AAC 00:16:36
  • 3rd: Leighton Mclean, Peterhead AAC 00:16:55

Female Category:

  • 1st: Millie Glass Park, Young Meldrum Runners00:16:30 
  • 2nd: Iyla Souter, Inverness Harriers AAC 00:17:58

  • 3rd: Jessica Davidson, Aberdeen AAC 00:18:15

Malcolm Sutherland, CEO at Caledonian Concepts, organisers of the event, said "What a phenomenal weekend we have experienced here in the Highlands. To welcome a record 11,100 runners from right across the globe to Inverness is something truly special. The atmosphere along the shores of Loch Ness and at Bught Park was unforgettable, driven by the determination of our runners and the brilliant spirit of our supporters and incredible volunteers. Every year this event highlights the very best of community and sport, and I am enormously proud of everyone who helped make 2026 our biggest and best year yet.”

Audrey Baxter, Executive Chairman and Group CEO of Baxters said: “Huge congratulations to all of the runners, including members of the Baxters team, who participated in this year’s event and, in the spirit of our ethos, challenged themselves to ‘be different, be better’. Alongside those who travelled from far and wide to take part, it’s wonderful that so many young people from the local community took the opportunity to experience the event for themselves. Well done everyone!” 

Beyond the finish line, the Event Village at Bught Park was packed with spectators and participants soaking up the festival spirit. The weekend featured live music, pipes & drums, pop up bars, a Sports Expo, local food vendors, and family-friendly entertainment, creating a true Highland celebration for participants, spectators, and the local community alike.

Early bird entry for the 2027 Loch Ness Marathon, 10K and 5K, taking place on Sunday 26th September 2027 is now open here.