Baxters Loch Ness MarathonHere's how RW members rated this race (442 votes). 2009 race reviewed by: mmarty
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Gorillas in pink compression socks
In full: This is a really nice marathon, beautifully unpretentious, vibey, serene, challenging event. Good organisation and well supported by the local community. Personally, I would to salute the gorilla in pink socks around half way. You were my marathon special moment.
Date of review: October 5, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Brian Pitkin
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 100% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Great Race
In full: 22 members of my running club made the journey up for this race and those going for PBs and target times almost all achieved them. The delay was one of those things but the laughter on the bus made the time fly by. Arriving at the start it did look a bit chaotic, but the excellent organisation made sure the buses and luggage had gone and getting across the line and into our stride was easy. The run route was excellently marked and well marshalled by the local Honda Goldwing Owners Club. Support in the villages was excellent and raised the morale at those crutial times. The fact there was a 10K race as well was excellent for groups like mine as it encouraged others to travel with us. My only negative is I would have liked a changing area in one of the marquees just so I could have sat down and changed into so dry clothes in comfort.
I would also comment on the excellent medical staff on hand, and the well run baggage tent.
Great race guys and thanks for an excellent weekend.
Date of review: October 5, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Wingman
| | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Absolutely loved it. Makes a change from big City marathons but tough hills at tough points of the race make it a challenge
In full: If you want to run a marathon along an amazing route and don't need crowds cherring you on to keep you going then this is the one for you. Although it is more downhill than up, the undulations really take their toll on your legs and there are some tough hills at times when you could do with flat !! This is a race definitely worth doing and one that you will remember for a long time!
Date of review: October 5, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Competative Dad
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In full: My first marathon and couldn't have chosen a better one! Wasn't too bothered about the delay with transport, it just gave more opportunity to talk with lots of new faces. I was warned in advance, although a mainly downward run, the hills come at wrong places during the race and make it really testing. Have to mention a charming lady who helped get through the final 8 or so miles. Thanks K, WON'T FORGET YOU.
Date of review: October 5, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Michael Howell 2
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Lovely race, friendly, well marshaled and carribean weather!
In full: I don’t know what the poster wants when he says that the scenery wasn’t very glorious...herds of wilderbeast majestically roaming maybe? It looked pretty spectacular from where I was running especially looking back up the Loch as we were about to leave it behind...even the tree lined roads mentioned were uplifting to me...as for the run itself there were a few big hills to contend with but the scenery and friendliness of the organisers and those who turned out to watch made it feel a lot more bearable. There was a mix up at the start with the buses but that meant I had a good laugh getting to know some fellow runners sat around me which was good fun...our bus even broke down a few times on route which meant we were the last ones in! Overall a superb race, wonderful goody bag and a personal best of 4hrs26mins as well...hurrah! I will probably be making the trip again one day.
Date of review: October 5, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: adrian gill 2
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 100% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: A downhill marathon with the wind behind you all the way.
In full: I don't know why people do not rate thos course for a PB. It is downhill and the prevailing wind is behind you. Add beautiful weather for running and it was a fast course yesterday.
Not sure how they managed to get the buses wrong, but some people on my bus (Fort Augustus) ended up walking up a mountain before the race started; not ideal preparation.
Otherwise a great day with great facilities at the finish and an appreciative crowd.
Date of review: October 5, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Bill Ferguson
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 100% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Will be back in 10 years
In full: Ran this as the last part of my 60th birthday present as a way of demonstrating that the ageing process hasn't applied to me.
This was the chattiest, friendliest marathon I've done. What with the long sections out of public view, runners could get down to their own pacing and work along with each other to get through the distance. The scenery was wonderful, every time I come back to Scotland, I am struck by the wildness of the landscape and having the chance to run 20 or so miles along the Loch was a real pleasure. Support in terms of drinks stations was impeccable, I would be a little more concerned how they would have handled a real medical emergency out in the wilds though. Organisation at the finish was also really good with easy spectator access and, maybe a pity, but mainly only friends and family of runners watching.
Now for the negatives , firstly the buses, it's the organisers' responsibility to make sure their suppliers don't let them down so one to look out for there and secondly, communications with the organisers were very poor, I'm still waiting for my information pack, even after being promised it 3 times.
As for the race, a pefectly timed run brought me in 42 secs under 4hrs , a pw that I was very happy with. So, a good day out and I will look to celebrate 70 years age here.
Date of review: October 5, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Straycelt
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Deserves every plaudit and accolade despite this one off bus issue
In full: The bus problem actually worked in our favour as an earlier start would have led to different kit selection which would then have to have been carried or discarde. Every cloud.. Tougher than expected. Glorious scenery for most of the course if you took the time to gaze left or right, up or down. Great hydration and water very soon after sports drinks so all were catered for. Fantastic support throughout when in any village or hamlet, great turnout from Macmillan. Wonderful atmosphere in the stadium. Good t-shirt, cracking medal. Didn't feel like the soup and meal which I know others appreciated, good touch tho'. Might summon up the energy to do again
Date of review: October 5, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Arjay
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Pleasant enough run - but not the wonderful scenery I'd been expecting
In full: The organisation at the start was poor - bus drivers blaming the organisers and the organisers blaming the bus companies. It is crucial to get this right as The Highlands do not offer many transport options for those in work on Monday and a 50 minute delay must have put a lot of people under pressure (me included). Apart from this hiccup the organisation was excellent.
It would help if the numbers could be posted out with the details. Or at least an option offered (at a cost if necessary).
The run itself was gently undulating with three noticable climbs, but I wouldn't say this should put people off. It depends what you are used to I suppose.
For me the scenery was disappointing and the course rather dull in places. We seemed to run for miles along a tree lined road with nothing to look at, apart from the occasional glimpse of the Loch. For such a beautiful part of the world I hoped for better.
What was impressive was the friendly welcome from everyone in Inverness. It was a shame we couldn't enjoy the hospitality afterwards as we had to rush to catch a flight. Hope our taxi driver enjoyed the Baxter's soups as we couldn't take them on the plane!
Date of review: October 5, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: KT59
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In full: Absolutely fantastic, my first marathon and a great day, perfect conditions and a very friendly race. Loved every minute of it, even the sore bits, and finished with what I consider a respectable 4.38! Would definetly do this again, even the mix up at the start with the buses was no big deal, and it made it somehow more entertaining! GREAT!
Date of review: October 5, 2009
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