Baxters Loch Ness MarathonHere's how RW members rated this race (442 votes). 2006 race reviewed by: Mark Gorman
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Undulating, wet and very rewarding
In full: Probably not the best choice for my first time but any dampener put on my time by the undulations and heavy rain should mean I can go much faster when I do an 'easier' one!
Book your accomodation well in advance though - many of the runners are travelling and staying over.
Date of review: October 4, 2006
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2006 race reviewed by: steviemac
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: 'Undulating', but it keeps you coming back for more
In full: This was my second Loch Ness Marathon after originally running it in 2003. I'd completely forgotten how many undulations there are in the first few miles. A challenging run, and I'd agree with a previous commentator that I love it and hate it in equal measure because of thta. Not much the organisers can do about the weather, but in most over respects they do enough in my book to justify the very positive feedback they receive each year. A number of small gripes (none of which individually or combined would put me off doing it again) - not enough portaloos at the start; too many bikers on the route; too many tourists on the pavement down by the river. Too many positive aspects to list. Keep up the good work and don't rest on your laurels!!
Date of review: October 3, 2006
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2006 race reviewed by: Racing Potato
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Great place, great race
In full: For me and the flying swede (the missus) this was a great first marathon. Tips on the race:
- enjoy the downhill for the first 8.6 miles but make sure you leave a lot in the tank as the later hills will make you pay.
- gloves, maybe even headcovering would be handy on cold days to keep everything free from the chill until you warm up.
- pee stops on the coach journey. Get someone to pretend to be sick so you can all pile off, worked for us though I think the sick note was genuine. It's a long drive out to the start when optimally hydrated. Sympathy to the lass who was caught pants down next to the coach as 30 blokes filed past.
- Highland Taxis were great for transport post race.
- leave your timing chip high up on your laces as it's easier for the chip extractors to get them off at the end.
- the pasta party was good value for money.
Acknowldgements;
- marshalls/helpers and the crowd were uplifting.
- attention to detail (apart from loos - which is a universal problem - loo marshalls at every event please!) was excellent. The feed up after the race was brilliant.
- Pipers, more please they're like an extra gel bar. How about piping us across the bridge in Inverness.
Final point - Runners World Official Chap - I'd love your job (obviously without the stretching targets and pressure ;-)!!
Date of review: October 3, 2006
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2006 race reviewed by: david hordon
| | 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: Worst Weather I have ever raced in - though it propelled me to a PB. Even the hil lat 18 miles seemed easy because I couldn't see it! Credit to the the great support who braved the rain
Date of review: October 3, 2006
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2006 race reviewed by: NotCat
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Perfect conditions and an inspiring undulating course. The camaraderie amongst all the runners was tremendous
Date of review: October 3, 2006
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2006 race reviewed by: dale brown
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: The best race I've taken part in. I will be doing it again!
Date of review: October 3, 2006
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2006 race reviewed by: Firmmy
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Lack of spectators made up for by the views
In full: This was my first marathon, and the Loch Ness did not disappoint. The views were stunning, the last 6 miles however were a struggle with limited support, but all the staff at the stations were very supportive. Despite the rain and small crowds, I had a great time, and I would definitely sign up for the event again. A real experience!
Date of review: October 3, 2006
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2006 race reviewed by: Brian west
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: If you've done FLM, do this marathon next. I did and loved it.
In full: My second marathon, after this years FLM. Complete contrast and I loved it. Took 15 mins off my FLM time, so there is scope for a PB. The setting was fabulous. Pre race pasta party and post race food were just what was needed. Registration the day before couldn't have been easier or quicker. Crossed the line to cheering from the crowds and my name being read out over the tannoy which made the finish really special. Plus, the track finish meant my family were able to actually see me finish, unlike FLM. Well worth the 800 mile round trip!
Date of review: October 3, 2006
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2006 race reviewed by: Gavo
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Everything was spot-on apart from the weather
In full: This was lining up to be a special marathon experience until the glorious Highland weather intervened. To say that it is undulating would be an understatement - no major hills to worry about but there was nothing flat until well into the race. Well worth doing if you're looking for an autumn mara & there are also shorter races for friends & family to do on the same day.
Date of review: October 3, 2006
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2006 race reviewed by: Roobarb
| | 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: Brilliant!
In full: Was hard, well in comparison with flm (my only other marathon) but I thoroughly enjoyed it. AND I got a pb by 41 minutes! The organisation was great, the pasta party was great, and the food afterwards was really welcome - hot soup and jacket potato after running in torrential rain! Can't wait to do this again next year.
Date of review: October 3, 2006
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