Baxters Loch Ness Marathon
If you have questions regarding Marathon Tours & Travel’s Scotland Packages please: EMAIL OUR TRIP DESIGNER or CALL 617-242-7845
Starting in the beautiful Highlands of Scotland, the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon follows a spectacular point-to-point route along the world-famous Loch Ness, across the River Ness, finishing in Inverness, capital city of the Highlands. Bringing family and friends? There’s plenty to entertain runners and spectators over the weekend with a free Sports Expo, Baxters Food & Drink Fayre, live music, kids’ activities and a Wee Nessie for under-5s.
Top 100: Rated by Runners World UK as one of the 100 best races in the world (hand-picked by a panel of athletes and experts in 2022).
The Scottish city of Inverness is our base for this fabulous festival of running. Home to stunning scenery; take a stroll along the Ness Islands or search for the mysterious Loch Ness Monster! Known affectionately as Nessie, a creature that according to Scottish folklore lives in Loch Ness. Are you a fan of the show Outlander? Did you know many of the scenes were filmed in Inverness? So much to explore and do!
The Loch Ness Marathon is an Abbott World Marathon Majors Wanda Age Group Qualifying Race.
Meals Included
Daily breakfasts & pre-race dinner
Guide
Guidance & support from our Loch Ness team
Trip Extension
Trip extension available upon request
Accommodation
Excellent Inverness hotel for 5 nights
Entry
Guaranteed race entry with a choice of distance available
Celebration Party
Welcome to the Highlands Party and post-race celebration
Excursions
2 x Day Tours included, shake-out run, escorted trip to Expo
Travel Package Information
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Itinerary
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Monday, September 23
Arrive at Edinburgh Airport (EDI) and transfer to the Radisson Blu Edinburgh City Centre Hotel, located in the heart of Old Town. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure. This evening join us for a Welcome Reception at the Radisson to meet new friends and/or re-connect with old friends. (Welcome Reception in Edinburgh)
Tuesday, September 24
After breakfast today, we will depart for a walking tour of Edinburgh. On the agenda is the Edinburgh Castle as well as “Mary King’s Close”, which is a tour of the underground hidden streets beneath the City Chambers on the Royal Mile where people lived between the 17th and the 19th centuries. Following the conclusion of the tour the remainder of the day is at your leisure. You will find many dining options within walking distance of the Radisson. (Breakfast included)
Wednesday, September 25
After breakfast we will check out, board our coach bus and make our way to Inverness. The drive brings you through the beautiful Scottish Highlands. In route to our lunch destination in the charming town of Pitlochry, we will make a stop at Falkland Palace – one of Scotland’s finest Renaissance palaces, a treasure trove of fascinating 17th century artifacts. Expected arrival in Inverness is in the late afternoon. Once you are checked into the Glen Mhor Hotel, you will have a little time to rest before the evening’s “Welcome to the Highlands” party. A 10-minute bus ride will bring us to Bogbain Farms, where in addition to a typical Scottish dinner you will taste some of the best malt whisky the Scottish Highlands has to offer, including Glenmorangie, The Dalmore, Tomatin, The Singleton of Glen Ord and Dalwhinnie. While enjoying sips of these fine whiskey’s you will be entertained with the history, stories and music of the Scottish Highlands by Davy Holt and Bruce MacGregor. (Breakfast and dinner included)
Thursday, September 26
After breakfast you will have your choice of a Day Tour (see options under extensions) that has been created to match your interests with local sights and activities. Dinner this evening will be on your own to enjoy one of the many establishments within walking distance of your hotel. (Breakfast included)
Friday, September 27
Following breakfast you will have your choice of a Day Tour (see options under extensions) that has been created to match your interests with local sights and activities. Dinner this evening will be on your own to enjoy one of the many restaurants within walking distance of your hotel. (Breakfast included)
Saturday, September 28
Join us this morning for a short shakeout run prior to breakfast. After breakfast we will walk to the nearby Loch Ness Marathon Expo and Event Village in Bught Park (approximately one mile). The rest of the day is at your leisure. Tonight join us for a pre-race dinner at our hotel. (Breakfast and dinner included)
Sunday, September 29 - Race Day!
Race Day! Breakfast will be available early. Those running the marathon will depart early for a leisure one mile walk to Bught Park where we will board the marathon buses to the start. If you are participating in the 10K, taxis will be ordered to take you to the start. If you are participating in the 5K, you will walk to Bught Park where it starts. All races finish at Bught Park where you can enjoy the running festival once you cross the finish line. Tonight we will gather for a post-race celebration and reception! (Breakfast included)
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Wednesday, September 25
Arrive today at the Inverness Airport (INV) and transfer to the charming Glen Mhor Hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore until we gather for the “Welcome to the Highlands” party. A 10-minute bus ride will bring us to Bogbain Farms, where in addition to a typical Scottish dinner you will taste some of the best malt whisky the Scottish Highlands has to offer, including Glenmorangie, The Dalmore, Tomatin, The Singleton of Glen Ord and Dalwhinnie. While enjoying sips of these fine whiskey’s you will be entertained with the history, stories and music of the Scottish Highlands. (Breakfast and dinner included)
Thursday, September 26
After breakfast you will have your choice of a Day Tour (see options under extensions) that has been created to match your interests with local sights and activities. Dinner this evening will be on your own to enjoy one of the many establishments within walking distance of your hotel. (Breakfast included)
Friday, September 27
Following breakfast, you will have your choice of a Day Tour (see options under extensions) that has been created to match your interests with local sights and activities Dinner this evening will be on your own to enjoy one of the many establishments within walking distance of your hotel. (Breakfast included)
Saturday, September 28
Join us this morning for a short shakeout run prior to breakfast. After breakfast we will walk to the nearby Loch Ness Marathon Expo and Event Village in Bught Park (approximately one mile). The rest of the day is at your leisure. Tonight join us for a pre-race pasta dinner at our hotel. (Breakfast and dinner included)
Sunday, September 29
Race Day! Breakfast will be available early. Those running the marathon will depart early for a leisure one mile walk to Bught Park where we will board the marathon buses to the start. If you are participating in the 10K, taxis will be ordered to take you to the start. If you are participating in the 5K, you will walk to Bught Park where it starts. All races finish at Bught Park where you can enjoy the running festival once you cross the finish line. Tonight we will gather for a post-race celebration and reception! (Breakfast included)
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Extensions
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Inverness Day Tour Options | Thursday, September 26 and Friday, September 27, 2024
Each guest has the option to pick one day tour for Thursday and one for Friday. When you register, please make your selection under the Optional Add-ons tab. The cost of each tour is included in your package, however lunch is not included. Suggestions will be made. Each group will be approximately 20 persons. We will do our best to accommodate your request. Please note that activities subject to change.
#1 Active Day
Trekking in the Scottish Highlands. The treks will be dependent on the weather. Your experienced guide will be sure to factor in the elements in planning your day. The general plan will be to go to the Nevis Range and/or Cairngorm with stops along the way. Your day will conclude with the ‘must see’ Sheep Dog Display before heading back to the Glen Mhor Hotel. Estimated departure time 8:00 AM with a return at 5:00 PM.
#2 Loch Ness Day Tour
We will start our tour with a 25-minute cruise up Loch Ness to the Urquhart Castle. Your tour of the Urquhart Castle will provide beautiful views overlooking Loch Ness and an overview of the castles history dating back to AD 580. We will then make our way to the Dunrobin Castle, capturing beautiful scenery along the way. Here you will have time to grab lunch in the cafe, tour the castle and see the amazing Bird of Prey Show. Estimated departure time 8:00 AM with a return at 5:00 PM.
#3 History Day Tour
Includes a visit to the Culloden Battlefield and education center that will provide a powerfully emotive understanding of the 1745 Jacobite Rising and its tragic end. Next we will tour the Cawdor Castle and gardens, which originally belonged to Clan Cawdor before passing into the hands of Campbells in the 16th century. A tour of a whiskey distillery is on the agenda today as well. Estimated departure time 8:00 AM with a return at 5:00 PM.
*Activities subject to change.
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Packages & Rates
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Experience Scotland Tour | Seven-Night Package: September 23 – 30, 2024
Features:
- Two (2) night hotel accommodations in Edinburgh
- Five (5) night hotel accommodations in Inverness
- Breakfast buffet each day, except on arrival day
- All hotel taxes included
- Welcome reception on Monday, September 23
- All activities per the itinerary
- All meals per the itinerary
- Local guide and driver gratuities included for day tours
- Coach bus transfers for all activities per the itinerary
- “Welcome to the Highlands” party on Wednesday, September 25
- Pre-race dinner on Saturday, September 28
- Post-race celebration reception on Sunday, September 29
- Hosted by Marathon Tours & Travel staff
- Guaranteed race entry is additional
Please Note:
- Entry only is not allowed.
- Rates may change due to currency fluctuations and city taxes
Not included:
- Race entry fee
- International round trip airfare to Scotland
- Airport transfers
- Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
- Meals unless noted on itinerary
- Gratuities and tips unless noted on itinerary
Inverness Tour | Five-Night Package: September 25 – 30, 2024
Features:
- Five (5) night hotel accommodations in Inverness
- Breakfast buffet each day, except on arrival day
- All hotel taxes included
- All activities per the itinerary
- All meals per the itinerary
- Local guide and driver gratuities included for day tours
- Coach bus transfers for all activities per the itinerary
- “Welcome to the Highlands” party on Wednesday, September 25
- Pre-race dinner on Saturday, September 28
- Post-race celebration reception on Sunday, September 29
- Hosted by Marathon Tours & Travel staff
- Guaranteed race entry is additional
Please Note:
- Entry only is not allowed.
- Rates may change due to currency fluctuations and city taxes
Not included:
- Race entry fee
- International roundtrip airfare to Scotland
- Airport transfers
- Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
- Meals unless noted on itinerary
- Gratuities and tips unless noted on itinerary
Guaranteed Loch Ness Marathon 2024 Entry:
- We are pleased to offer you guaranteed entry for the Loch Ness Marathon. You can buy entry from Marathon Tours & Travel if you also buy the accommodation package from us. Refer to optional extras below.
Optional Extras:
- Loch Ness Marathon 2024 guaranteed entry
- Loch Ness 10K 2024 guaranteed entry
- Loch Ness 5K 2024 guaranteed entry
IMPORTANT FLIGHT INFORMATION
For the Seven Night Package you should plan to fly into the Edinburgh Airport (EDI) and out of the Inverness Airport (INV).
For the Five Night Package you should fly in and out of the Inverness Airport (INV).
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance for U.S. Residents
Travel Insurance for Canadian ResidentsRates (all prices are per person in US dollars)
Experience Scotland Seven-Night Package Double Occupancy Single Occupancy Edinburgh (standard room) & Inverness (classic room) - Very Limited Availability N/A $3535 Edinburgh (standard room) & Inverness (classic river room) $2590 per person $3985 Edinburgh (standard room) & Inverness (deluxe river room) $2675 per person $4155 Edinburgh (standard room) & Inverness (suite) - Very Limited Availability $2720 per person $4240 Additional Hotel Night Upon Request Upon Request Inverness Tour Five-Night Package Double Occupancy Single Occupancy Inverness (classic room) N/A $2370 Inverness (classic river room) $1800 per person $2820 Inverness (deluxe river room) $1885 per person $2990 Additional Hotel Night Upon Request Upon Request Race Entry Fee: Rates Marathon $95 per entry 10K $45 per entry 5K $25 per entry
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Hotels
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Glen Mhor Hotel
The Glen Mhor Hotel, which occupies a row of converted Victorian houses along the River Ness, offers a comfortable stay in the center of Inverness. This charming hotel is a five-minute walk from Inverness Castle and many local restaurants and pubs. Each of the rooms is distinctive and has its own character. You will find them warm and cozy with amenities such as a flat-screen TV, tea and coffee maker and free Wi-Fi. A limited number of standard rooms are available for the more budget conscious traveler. These rooms are smaller, so may be fine for single guests, but we do not recommend for those that are sharing a room. There are not elevators at this property so if you require a ground level room, please be sure to inform your Marathon Tours & Travel Trip Designer.
Radisson Blu Edinburgh City Centre HotelThe Radisson Blu Edinburgh City Centre Hotel is located in the heart of the historic Royal Mile in Edinburgh’s Old Town, just a short walk to major city center attractions. Walk to the iconic Edinburgh Castle, National Museum of Scotland, the Scottish Parliament and Edinburgh’s famous shopping thoroughfare, Princes Street. The hotel is also within easy reach of Holyrood Palace and Holyrood Park. Arthur’s Seat, the park’s highest point, has stunning views of the Scottish capital.
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Event Information
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Race Date: Sunday, September 29, 2024
Start Time:Loch Ness Marathon 10:00 AMRiver Ness 5K 9:30 AMRiver Ness 10K 10:30 AMEntry: A special entry link via email will be sent to registered runners on our package. The fees are as follows:Loch Ness Marathon $95River Ness 5K $45River Ness 10K $25Course: The Loch Ness Marathon follows a spectacular point-to-point route alongside world famous Loch Ness, starting in an atmospheric moorland setting and continues through stunning Highland scenery, taking you along the south-eastern shores of Loch Ness, across the River Ness, to finish in Inverness, capital city of the Highlands. Course map – here. Elevation chart – here.
Temperature: Average temperatures range between 50 to 60 F).
Eligibility:
Loch Ness Marathon – Ages 18 years or over
River Ness 10K – Ages 18 years or over
River Ness 5K – All ages welcomeAwards: Every runner receives a commemorative finisher’s medal, finisher’s technical t-shirt, goody bag, electronic timing (except for the 5K), complimentary post-race food, transport to the start of the Marathon and a fantastic festival at the Finish.
Event Difficulty: Moderate to challenging. The start area offers no protection from the Highlands weather and will require additional layers of clothing to stay warm while you wait. Train for hills!
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Registration & Booking
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Rates: All prices are based on current exchange rates and may change due to currency fluctuations. All payments to Marathon Tours & Travel will be processed in USD.
Eligibility: Marathon Tours & Travel, an authorized tour operator, is required to offer travel arrangements in conjunction with guaranteed race entry. All runners must be 18 years or older on race day to be eligible for our guaranteed entries.
Reservations and Payments: A completed tour application together with a non-refundable deposit of $500 per person must be received before confirming your reservations. Final payment must be received before June 30, 2024. Final payments received after June 30, 2024 will be charged a $50 late payment fee.
Cancellations: All payments, including your deposit, are non-refundable and non-transferrable. Non-transferrable includes applying your balance to another person, another year or another trip. Should you cancel for any reason, you will forfeit your trip investment. Therefore, travel insurance for every trip is highly recommended. All cancellations must be received in writing.
Not included in price: All items not specifically listed under tour features.
Insurance: For your protection, trip cancellation, baggage, health and accident insurance is highly recommended for all participants. However, no representation or description of the insurance made by our staff constitutes a binding assurance or promise about the insurance.
Travel Insurance for U.S. Residents
Travel Insurance for Canadian ResidentsSecurity Policy: Marathon Tours & Travel’s security policy requires that anyone staying in our room block must be registered as part of our package. If a registered client attempts to house a non-registered guest and /or invite them to attend any of our scheduled activities, the registered guest’s tour package will be forfeited and parties may be denied access to future tours. Please note that no exceptions will be made as this policy will be strictly enforced.
Responsibility: These tours are operated by Marathon Tours, Inc. of Chelsea, MA who acts only as an agent for the passenger to the companies offering such services and assumes no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity caused by any reason whatsoever by any party offering such services. All terms and conditions offered are governed by the laws of Massachusetts. The right is reserved to cancel the tour prior to departure with a refund, less applicable credit card and processing fees, made as full settlement to the passenger. The right is reserved by Marathon Tours, Inc. to deny acceptance of a booking application by any person. Marathon Tours, Inc. may make any changes or alterations in the itinerary as it deems necessary for the proper handling of the tour. The sole responsibility of any airline used is limited to that set out in the passenger contract evidenced by the ticket. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time that the passengers are not on board their aircraft.
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Testimonials
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"An amazing and fantastic tour..." - 2023
An amazing and fantastic tour of a beautiful country followed by a very difficult, but gorgeous, marathon that exceeded my wildest expectations.
"I liked the opportunity to tour Scotland with people who knew what they were doing..." - 2023I liked the opportunity to tour Scotland with people who knew what they were doing, see the beautiful country, interact with the always-friendly people, and not have to drive myself. I liked having people like Karen and Christine who knew what they were doing and we could count on them.
"I thought everything was well organized..." - 2023I thought everything was well organized. There was a good balance between arranged tours and free time. I also thought the Welcome to the Highlands dinner was a highlight.
"The course was as tough as described..." - 2023The course was as tough as described. It was also even more beautiful than described. As a bucket list race for me, the Loch Ness Marathon exceeded all expectations.
"The hotel location was excellent..." - 2023The hotel location was excellent; restaurant and food throughout was great. The tours were perfect. I wondered about the lengthy bus ride to Dunrobin Castle, but it was amazing. Karen and Christine were knowledgeable about the race, about the details, everything that was relevant. Our local Scottish guides were entertaining and informative. Even though my son and I don’t drink whiskey, the Welcome Dinner was entertaining.
"We appreciate their hospitality..." - 2023Karen and Christine were great and hospitable, took care of everything flawlessly. We appreciate their hospitality and help every step of the trip
"Marathon Tours & Travel did an outstanding job..." - 2022Marathon Tours & Travel did an outstanding job from the time we began planning this trip until the day the tour ended. There was never a question we were in good hands. Karen and Christine did a great job in making the trip both enjoyable and memorable. They are the best! Thank you, MTT!
"Great locations, beautiful areas..." - 2022Great locations, beautiful areas, great tours, great race, wonderful people.
"Scotland is a must see destination..." - 2022Scotland is a must see destination full of stunning and scenic landscapes overflowing with wonderful people.
"It was an awesome course..." - 2022It was an awesome course and a great experience all around!
"I think this was my 22nd trip with Marathon Tours..." - 2021I think this was my 22nd trip with Marathon Tours and have never been disappointed with any of the trips. I liked the timing of the Scotland trip and have always wanted to run a marathon there. I have met the most amazing people and seen some of the most amazing places with Marathon Tours. I will continue to travel with the company for my primary vacations, even repeating some of the trips.
"MT&T provides top shelf, one-of-a-kind marathon..." - 2021MT&T provides top shelf, one-of-a-kind marathon touring experiences, so it was a no-brainer to travel with them to Scotland.
"The marathon was amazing..." - 2021The marathon was amazing – great support on the course and beautiful scenery.
"Itinerary was perfect..." - 2021Itinerary was perfect along with Marathon Tours staff. Also liked the size of the group and, of course, a beautiful marathon course.
"Oh what an experience with COVID..." - 2021Oh what an experience with COVID – we all now know more about testing than we ever wanted! Seriously though this is where I felt the service was OUTSTANDING. I had so many questions and I know there were many others. Yet Karen took the time to check, confirm and respond kindly to the many emails and uncertainties. Five negative tests later, I’m positive that we made the right choice in booking this trip of a lifetime with Marathon Tours & Travel.
"I've always wanted to visit Scotland..." - 2019I’ve always wanted to visit Scotland and when I saw it as an extension to Berlin I jumped on it. I never would have imagined ever doing multiple marathons but now I know I can do it! Runcations are the best : )
"I’ve always wanted to go to Scotland..." - 2019I’ve always wanted to go to Scotland, the race was a big draw and Marathon Tours had all the experiences and organization to make sure I would have the trip of a lifetime! A good reputation and years in the business was important especially in light of that other tour company failing and people being stranded. I never worry about your company.
"I thought the trip was well planned..." - 2019I thought the trip was well planned with scheduled activities and time to explore on your own. I thought the scheduled activities were fantastic and the guides as well. I appreciated the communication by Jeff and Karen as well. I was traveling alone and felt I always knew what to expect and when.
"The Scotland trip exceeded my expectations..." - 2019The Scotland trip exceeded my expectations, and I smile every time I think about it.
"Like traveling with family..." - 2019Hotel in Edinburgh was excellently situated – lots to see and do within walking distance. Rooms were great – clean, moderately spacious, and well-appointed; breakfast was well done in the downstairs dining room. All of the local guides were knowledgeable and entertaining – a terrific way to learn about the history, culture, and people of Scotland. The trip between Edinburgh and Inverness was packed with activities – well worth the time in the coach and the drives between (which were broken up nicely by all the excursions). I know that anyone who comes along to host or help with a MTT trip is going to be super. Jeff and Karen worked tirelessly to make sure that everyone on the trip got the most out of it – food recommendations, music, excellent experiences. Kelly and Kit backed them up and were friendly and welcoming. Like traveling with family (that you like ;).
"Karen and Jeff (and Kelly and Kit) did a fantastic job..." - 2019Karen and Jeff (and Kelly and Kit) did a fantastic job moving us around and getting us where we needed to be for events, activities, and the race. The local guides are amazing – they are knowledgeable, engaging, and friendly. The tours are definitely worth going on as many as you can. Basically can’t go wrong. I wish we’d been able to do all three, since I wanted to see more of the highlands (obviously, the 26 miles running it wasn’t enough!) Thanks again for the poncho – it came in handy at the start of the race with the sideways rain. Love the buff and I use those all the time. Congrats on 40 years!
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Meet the Reps
Karen Hoch
Business Development Officer | Senior Trip Designer
Karen Hoch
Business Development Officer | Senior Trip Designer
With more than twenty years of experience in travel logistics, conference planning, and marketing it has been a dream to blend her passion of running and travel with her career. Karen has completed 30 marathons, including Boston (2011, 2022, 2023), one ultra-marathon, and many half marathons and local races. She earned her Abbott Six Star Finisher Medal in London (April 2023).
Karen is certified as a running coach with Road Runners Club of America, a member of USATF and Marathon Maniacs, is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), earned her MS in Marketing Communications from the University of Kansas and BS in Economics/Finance from Bentley University. In addition to working on Marathon Tours & Travel marketing efforts, Karen manages our programs to Bermuda, Israel, Kenya, the Italy Coast to Coast Relay, Madagascar, Scotland, Athens and supports our U.S. packages to Big Sur and Boston. She is always looking forward to the next adventure!
