Loch Ness 24 event returns as hundreds of runners face endurance test
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Runners from around the world are set to descend on Loch Ness this weekend for the return of a 24-hour endurance race.
After its debut last year, the Loch Ness 24 is back at Aldourie on the banks of Loch Ness, where more than 700 competitors are expected from across the UK and as far afield as Australia.
The event, which began last year, sees runners negotiating as many laps of the seven-kilometre course as they can in a 24-hour period. The route involves some steep, rooty and rocky sections, as well as a leg-sapping section of pebble beach.
Starting on Saturday morning, the runners will compete in various categories, including solo, pairs or larger teams.
Race director Jonathan Buckland of Zone Events is excited about bringing the event back to the Highlands for the second year.
He said: “After the massive success of last year’s inaugural Loch Ness 24, and with so much positive feedback, we couldn’t resist returning to make it bigger and better for 2023!
"The atmosphere was amazing, and we are looking forward to seeing everyone back enjoying the festivities at our event village this weekend. Alongside the campsite we will have music, food vendors and even a cocktail bar to help keep everyone, both runners and support crews, stay motivated throughout the night.”
Around 270 runners will be tackling the 24-hour challenge solo.
Many entrants are helping to raise funds for the event’s official charity partners, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, RNLI, Centred and Held In Our Hearts.
Prizes will be awarded to those who clock up the most laps at the end of 24 hours in each category, and runners will each receive a medal and a few sweet treats from sponsor Voom Nutrition, as well as a bespoke Loch Ness 24 bottle of beer, courtesy of Windswept Brewing.
