London Marathon Events acquires firm which organises biggest sporting events in Inverness - Including Loch Ness Marathon, Inverness Half Marathon and Etape Loch Ness
LONDON Marathon Events (LME) has agreed a deal to take over the company which organises three of the biggest sporting events held in Inverness and the Highlands.
The firm has announced it has acquired Caledonian Concepts and Loch Ness Marathon Ltd, which organises the Loch Ness Marathon, Etape Loch Ness and Inverness Half Marathon.
Caledonian Concepts and Loch Ness Marathon Ltd were founded by Malcolm and Caroline Sutherland in 2006. More than 19,880 participants took part in the three major events in 2024 raising an estimated £1 million for charities across the Highlands, Scotland and the UK.
Since its inception, the Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running has raised more than £14.5 million for charities.
The couple will continue to lead their existing team as well as an army of dedicated local volunteers to deliver the Loch Ness portfolio of events, supported by the expertise of LME.
Speaking about the deal, London Marathon Events chief executive officer Hugh Brasher said: “Caledonian Concepts and Loch Ness Marathon Ltd share our passion to inspire people of all ages and abilities to become active and to use sport and activity to transform lives.
“Malcolm, Caroline and their team have developed a fantastic series of events in a beautiful setting that support a network of charities both in Scotland and across the UK.
“They work closely with the local community to produce events that have a unique feel and relationship to local businesses and the area. We pledge to continue their work and build on all they have done.”
Caledonian Concepts and Loch Ness Marathon Ltd chief executive officer Malcolm Sutherland said: “We are extremely proud of what we have created in the Loch Ness Marathon, Etape Loch Ness and Inverness Half Marathon over the past 18 years.
“This acquisition is evidence of how incredible the events have become, and this is thanks to the hard work and passion of our fantastic team and volunteers, our sponsors, charity partners and stakeholders including the Highland Council, and the Highland community who welcome and cheer on participants from around the world every year.
“Our events are unique and that will not change. Our team will continue to work hard to deliver iconic events in our beautiful region, all while raising vital funds for numerous charities. What we have now, though, is the added energy and expertise of London Marathon Events, and we can’t wait for this next chapter.”
This is the latest acquisition in LME’s expansion programme. Over the past two years LME, which was founded in 1981, has acquired the Brighton Marathon weekend and the Bath Half Marathon. It has expanded into Wales through its partnership with Run 4 Wales and into trail running through its acquisition of a majority share of Maverick Events.
In April 2024, together with UK Athletics and the Great Run Company, LME set up Athletic Ventures, a joint venture created to transform the future and growth of athletics in the UK from playground to podium and to deliver major athletics events, including the annual Diamond League meeting in London and the 2026 European Athletics Championships in Birmingham.
Brasher said: “This is a very exciting time for London Marathon Events. In April 2025 we celebrate the 45th edition of the London Marathon which is the most popular marathon on the planet and has raised more than £1.3 billion for charity. Over the last 44 years, we have inspired millions of people to become and remain active and worked with partners all over the UK and internationally, through our role in the Abbott World Marathon Majors, to demonstrate the physical and mental health benefits of an active lifestyle.”
Sutherland added: “The synergy between Caledonian Concepts/Loch Ness Marathon and London Marathon Events was key for this acquisition to take place. The LME team is as committed as we are to inspiring inclusivity in sport, promoting the benefits of being active, and supporting our local communities and charities. Together, we can take things to the next level and further promote the events as some of the best in the world.”
