Inverness Half Marathon and 5k celebrates its 40th anniversary on Sunday - Find out where and when you can watch the action

AROUND 5000 runners are set to take part in one of the biggest sporting events to take place in Inverness every year.

The Inverness Half Marathon and 5k marks its 40th anniversary on Sunday with runners from across the country set to take on the 13.1 mile challenge.

A total of 3355 entries have signed up for the half marathon with 1500 entries for the 5K event.

The 2025 event will also host the Scottish Half Marathon Championships and North District Championships for the third consecutive year.

Read: Who are the main contenders for the 2025 Inverness Half Marathon?

What time does the Inverness Half Marathon and 5k start?

Registration and baggage drop off will be at Inverness Leisure Centre between 10.30am and noon.

Runners will then assemble at the starting line at Bught Road at 12.20pm. The Inverness Half Marathon will then start at 12.30pm with the Inverness 5k at 12.45pm.

The finish line for both races will be at Queen’s Park Stadium at Inverness Leisure Centre. The winners for the 5k race are expected at 1pm with the majority of 5k runners expected between 1.05pm and 1.50pm.

The men’s winner of the Inverness Half Marathon is expected between 1.30pm and 1.35pm.

The women’s winner is expected to finish between 1.40pm and 1.45pm. The bulk of the half marathon winners are expected between 1.40pm and 2.40pm.

The prizegiving presentations take place at the sports hall in Inverness Leisure Centre at 2.45pm.

Inverness Half Marathon Route

The Inverness Half Marathon starts on the riverside at Bught Park and follows the river along Bishops Road, Ness Walk and Ardross Street.

It then crosses Ness Bridge in the centre of Inverness and turning right into Castle Road beneath Inverness Castle.

The route continues south along Ness Bank and Island Bank Road / Dores Road (B862) towards Dores.

The route then turns left into Torbreck Road and continues before turning into Essich Road and taking in the residential areas of Lochardil and Drummond.

Runners turn right at Holm roundabout and follow the B862 back into the centre of Inverness, turning left over Ness Bridge and running alongside River Ness to the finish on the running track at Queens Park Stadium at Inverness Leisure Centre.

Inverness 5K Route

The 5k route starts on the riverside at Bught Park and follows the River Ness before crossing Ness Bridge in the centre of Inverness and turning right into Castle Road beneath Inverness Castle.

The route continues south along Ness Bank and crosses the river again via the Ness Islands to finish on the running track at Queens Park Stadium at Inverness Leisure Centre.

What happened last year?

John Bell claimed the Scottish Half Marathon and Inverness Half Marathon men's title for the first time in his career. The Inverclyde Athletics Club athlete claimed victory in one hour, five minutes and 34 seconds.

Kirkhill athlete Mhairi Maclennan became the fastest ever woman at the race as she set a new women’s record of one hour 11 minutes and 47 seconds.

In the Inverness 5K, Ross County Athletics Club athlete Lachlan Thomas successfully defended his title as he claimed victory for the second year in a row as he stormed to the title in 15 minutes and 40 seconds.

Inverness Harriers athlete Katie Meek won the women’s title in a time of 18 minutes and 19 seconds.

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