PICTURES: Almost 10,000 runners take part in the Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running

Almost 10,000 runners from around the world competed at the 2024 Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running in Inverness on Sunday.

This year saw a record number of 5500 entries for the full marathon, 2430 the 10K, Corporate Challenge, and a record number of 1,800 sign ups to the River Ness 5K, and the children's Wee Nessie race.

In the men’s race, Moray Pryde from Lothian Running Club crossed the finish line setting a new course record of two hours 19 minutes and 26 seconds as he successfully retained his title win the title for the second time.

Shaun Cumming from East Sutherland AC secured second place with a finishing time of 2:31:16 with Tom Charles of Chorlton Runners third in a time of 2:31:59.

Melissah Gibson from Ealing Eagles Running Club claimed victory once again in the women's race with a remarkable time of 2:54:39 winning the title for a second time.

Rachel Boswell from Thames Hare and Hounds claimed second place with an impressive time of 2:55:14. Katie Wilson from Highland Hill Runners finished in third place in a time of 3:03:29.

In the River Ness 10k, Logan Rees of Fife Athletics Club secured first place securing a new course record time of 28:52.

Max Abernethy from Fraserburgh Running Club followed closely, finishing in 29:55, while Lachlan Oates of Shettleston Harriers claimed third place with a time of 31:00.

Caitlyn Heggie of Inverness Harriers claimed the top spot as the first female to cross the 10K finish line with a time of 35:50. Robyn Pinder from Metro Aberdeen Running Club followed closely in second place, clocking 36:22, while Molly Rash of Highland Hill Runners secured third with a time of 36:25. While title sponsor Baxters Food Group won the 10K Corporate Challenge with an accumulative time of 2:34:20.

In the River Ness 5k, Billy Sutherland from Ross County AC and Millie Glass Park from Young Meldrum Runners both delivered impressive performances to win the men’s and women’s title.

Olympian, Megan Keith attended the event as the official starter of the Baxter Loch Ness 5K and remained to present runners with their 5K medals following the race.

In addition to the races, the weekend was filled with festivities, including Q&A’s hosted by BBC’s Bryan Burnett with industry experts, expo, live music, pipes & drums, local food stalls, and family-friendly activities, making it a celebration of both fitness and community spirit.

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