Baxters Loch Ness MarathonHere's how RW members rated this race (442 votes). 2012 race reviewed by: Duane Daugherty 3
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: This continues to be one of my favourite marathons. Organisation, scenery and local support is second to none. The course isn't the flattest but I've managed to get 3 of my best marathon times on this course. I'll be back next year.
Date of review: October 3, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Kev10
| | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Complete one off of a race but be prepared and not to be taken lightly
In full: The start was like nothing I have ever or will ever experience again as mountainous scenery was unreal.Although I had done some hill training reckon a few cross training sessions would have benefitted as the undulations came back to haunt me late on (20m+) . Organisation was spot on as everyone involved played their part in making everything run so smoothly on the day. Was nice to see runners from all over turn out for this one , was on my to do list and may well come back one day and have another go .
Date of review: October 3, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Shelley Basharan
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: A great event, well organised, friendly race...just don't get too carried away in the first few miles!
In full: A PB for me - HURRAH! It was worth a turn of the head to look back at some amazing undulating (key word!) hills (behind me!!), the crisp, autumnal weather made it perfect! A couple of ascents which certainly challenged my, by then fatigued legs (ouch!), The drinks/ gel stops, marshals, support at the end - guy on the bike(!?!) for a lot of the the route - THANK YOU for your support! ALL good! The only thing I would say - next year can someone turn down the blower on the last half mile home stretch!!!!!? That wind was mean! ;0)
Date of review: October 3, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Restlesslegs
| | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Amazing
In full: If you like spectactular views this is the marathon for you.
I am an experienced marathon runner, this being my thirtieth (including multi day events and ultras). As a marathon this now has to be one of my favorites.
Is it a fast race? I would disagree with most people and say this race has PB potential, being my second fastest marathon. The start is downhill, and any hills you climb later are short and steep, but are more than compensated by long slow descents. The wind also pushed me along!
The gels, drinks and water were very generous, the marshals were first class. The end was fantastic, curry, soup, bagpipes and a beer tent!
The only downer I suppose was lack of toilets at the start, but us men can normally make 'other arrangements' so its not a big deal.
Even if this is not a fast race, do it anyway. Its still quite small so not massive running crowds, Inverness is pretty and you dont need taxis all weekend, and we shouldnt just do the flattest course just to get a PB. Should we?
Date of review: October 2, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Lemony
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Starting in the wilds of the Scottish Highlands and with a big city atmosphere at the finish, this race has it all.
In full: I can't imagine any other race where you start in the middle of nowhere surrounded by the most stunning scenery imaginable and you finish in a city with hundreds of spectators cheering you on. Just for that, this could be the UK's best marathon.
On top of that though you have nice touches like being texted your time as soon as you're over the line, a decent goody bag (which makes what might appear to be an expensive race seem more than reasonably priced) and plenty of things to keep the family entertained whilst you run.
Some will describe this as a tough race and you do need to do some hill training. But overall, it's downhill and the big hill from miles 18-20 isn't really that bad (more of a long slog than particularly steep). With a tailwind for virtually the whole course (other than the last half mile which is in the opposite direction), I managed not only a PB but a negative split. Just take it relatively easy during the first 10 miles which are almost entirely downhill (though there are a couple of nasty short sharp climbs) and you'll be fine.
A big thank you from me to the organisers (especially whoever it was at the London expo this year who persuaded me to enter). And if you're thinking about entering, just do it now. You won't regret it for a moment.
Date of review: October 2, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Donnasib
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Always delivers
In full: 3rd year and a surprising marathon PB! The course is beautiful but testing. None of the climbs are particularly steep but on tired legs they feel very wearing. The undulations (as well as the stunning scenery) do keep it interesting though!
Brilliantly stocked fuel stations and thanks to the lovely first aid man who rescued me at the finish when severe cramp attacked my legs simultaneously.
Date of review: October 2, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: gramsland
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Fantastic scenery, great weather and brilliant organisation
In full: The 2012 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon was a great event! The sun shone, lighting up the landscape showing us the picture postcard scenery.
As ever, this event is extremely well organised and other marathons should look and learn from this one. The volunteers at the water stations, post race meal and baggage reclaim were so well organised. The marathon and Inverness are very friendly, so while not a fast course, it is still beginner friendly. Great to so many runners from other countries too!
Had a fantastic time, met some great people and came away with a new PB. What else could you ask for? Already signed up for next year!
Date of review: October 2, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Miserable Bleeder
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Stunning Scotland
In full: My second time at this iconic event, and I thoroughly enjoyed.
Managed a better time than 4 years ago, which was a bonus.
Couldn't fault this event, and will be back in future years to tackle the 'monster' again.
Date of review: October 1, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Berlin Bolt
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Stunning Scottish Marathon.
In full: This was my 12th Marathon & is up there with my favorites, a lot of hard work from a lot of helpful volunteers made for a brilliant experience.
From Registration to the finish the race organisation was spotlessly timed.
It had all the trademarks for any ability marathon runner.
lovely fast downhill start then undulating then some testing hills and flat finish.
So if you are a beginner marathoner I would recommend this cause the next flat one you should breeze it.
Date of review: October 1, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: ROBBO 45
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In full: 3rd time running it. Yes it's hard on legs but put in good training and can be very enjoyable experience.Very friendly staff and marshalls.Bigger crowds cheering on this year,never going to get massive crowds in a race that starts in middle of nowhere lol.Bus trip not too bad,just don't drink too much before you get on ! Overall great experience,makes you want to come back for more.
Date of review: October 1, 2012
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