Home   Sport   Article

Highlands biggest running event is off as Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running cancelled for 2020


By Will Clark

Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!

The 2020 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running has officially been cancelled.

The Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running is called off.
The Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running is called off.

Organisers announced the decision today to call off the event that was due to take place on Sunday, October 4 due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The festival, which also holds River Ness 10K, Corporate Challenge, 5K and Wee Nessie race, has been cancelled for the first time since it was established in 2002.

Marathon and Festival of Running event and race director Malcolm Sutherland said: “It has been a difficult decision and not one we have taken lightly.

"However the health, safety and welfare of our participants, volunteers, staff, charities and stakeholders is at the heart of everything we do and will always remain our priority.

"We feel it is our responsibility to protect everyone involved including our emergency services and local community which has always been so supportive."

Last year, a record 9500 participants took part in the festival with 60 per cent of marathon runners coming from outside Scotland and 17 per cent from outside the UK.

The event also raised over £1 million for charity last year.

Read more sport news by clicking here.


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More