Baxters Loch Ness MarathonHere's how RW members rated this race (442 votes). 2008 race reviewed by: Lungz
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: If only all races were run this efficiently...
In full: Top marks have to go to the organisers of this superb race. I know I won't be alone in taking my hat off to you. Well done and thankyou for making my first full one a memorable one.
Not to say its an easy course though! If you crave a challenge as opposed to monotony, if stunning scenery matters and clean air to breathe enroute (makes a change to traffic pollution) then make this one to do next year.
The remote, rural start with pipers leading the way (not all of the way though!) was surreal. The route was breathtaking in every sense of the word, with genuine support from small pockets of people. And the finish...as said by others, finishing in a stadium makes you feel as if you've actually achieved something. Special praise must go to the tireless commentator(s) with typical Scottish wit, humour and staying power.
This is how you do a race. Other organisers take note and learn some lessons please!
Thanks very much guys
Date of review: October 7, 2008
|
|
2008 race reviewed by: teacake
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Fantastic Race
In full: Well orginised race, finishing on the track was a nice touch and made me feel like a pro. The route is beautiful with a couple of tough hills but no suprises.This was my first marathon and I will definatley do it again.My goody bag included 3 bananas, 3 muffins, two tins of soup, pickled onions, beetroot and a Scottish flag. fab!!!
Date of review: October 7, 2008
|
2008 race reviewed by: Chris HOOPER
| | 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 race, tough and hilly but glourious scenery!! Will be back.
In full: My first loch ness marathon, but really enjoyed the whole event, from the fantastic views to the pipes and drums at the start. This is a tough race with some killer hills, but still only finished 1 minute outside my pb!!
Date of review: October 7, 2008
|
2008 race reviewed by: andrea nelson
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Glorious introduction to marathon running - I feel spoiled for any in the future...
Date of review: October 7, 2008
|
2008 race reviewed by: Brian Cruickshank 2
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: A superbly organised event.
In full: One of the best races in the UK and a great alternative to a big city marathon. All the good points about the race have already been described by the other runners on here. This is how a marathon should organised - Edinburgh take note!!!
Date of review: October 7, 2008
|
2008 race reviewed by: mummy-of-2
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 40% |
In short: Tough but Terrific!!!!!!!!
In full: Everything about this makes it a great event. important to do your training though - it's not for the faint-hearted. a big thank you to organisers, marshalls & Jen the massage lady - you were brilliant!!
Date of review: October 7, 2008
|
2008 race reviewed by: Miserable Bleeder
| | 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: Brilliant
In full: Not much to say that hasn't already been said, but what a brilliant race.
Took ages, but as my first marathon it was very special.
Loved it.
Date of review: October 7, 2008
|
2008 race reviewed by: AP58
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: First one over - will the second feel any better? Great race, great fe
Date of review: October 6, 2008
|
2008 race reviewed by: Darren Gani
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: For a first timer I felt great to compete, and complete even though I was about 20 minutes slower than expected. The hospitality in Inverness exceeded my expectations. I can't think of a better way to see Scotland for the first time.
Date of review: October 6, 2008
|
2008 race reviewed by: grecian 2000
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: An excellent alternative to a big city marathon
In full: Despite the remote location, Inverness is accessible by budget airlines and train. Spent three days here to break up the journey, and really enjoyed my stay.
This marathon is run point-to-point which I prefer to out-and-backs/loops. Something about being abandoned 25 miles from Inverness, and having to rely on your running to get you back to civilization. The transportation to the start was organised efficiently - the bus journey allowed you to chat with other runners which helped to dispel any pre-race nerves. Once at the start, we had an hour to prepare, and everything seem ordered with plenty of toilets, good communication, baggage collection, and a structured start.
Weather was cool and dry - perfect. Sufficient water stations and the added bonus of lucozade sport stations at 5 mile intervals. Clear course markings, traffic free, and plenty of marshals and medical help points.Little pockets of support and thanks to the house belting out the loud Scottish music, and large crowds cheering us on through the last couple of miles in Inverness.
The route is quite varied and incredibly scenic. With the Loch regularly in view, this did help to distract from the pain and tiredness. A friend described this as a PB course although I would say that the first few miles felt up and down with that hill at 4 miles knocking me out of my stride. There was a flat mid-section which allows you to finally get into a rythym. The hill at 17/18 miles was not as bad as reported but did drag on a bit. The final 6 miles were nice and flat but the damage had already been done - the final mile around the back of the stadium was mentally tough as you could hear the announcer's commentary of the finishers - however, once inside the stadium, you were treated to a grandstand finish which felt glorious to this exhausted soul.
A beautiful medal, decent t-shirt, 2 tins of soup that made the journey home, a great post-race meal with live music entertainment. The pre-race pasty party also had music entertainment, and there were a few bargains at the small expo with registration.
This is a very special marathon with lots of nice touches by the organisers. Inverness and the surrounding areas were completely behind the event, and I've never met so many genuine and friendly people. This will be on my list again next year. Thanks very much to everyone who were involved. The only thing I'm not too sure about is what to do with the Scottish flag?
Date of review: October 6, 2008
|
| |
denotes Subscriber-only content | 
