Loch Ness Marathon - Events

Sean Fishpool

07/08/2002 at 11:24

Greetings -

a new post just to say that you can now start forum threads from the bottom of event listings (they'll be duplicated in the main forum section and at the bottom of the relevant event listing).

*do be sure to change the 'forum topic' to Events - we'll make that automatic soon

And is anyone doing this race? Sounds like a fun one...

Sean

Scotty.

07/08/2002 at 12:20

Cheers for the update Sean.

Did my first 20 mile run on Saturday in preparation for the Lochness Marathon on 29th Sept. Looking forward to flying up and making a weekend break of it. Heard that there's only about 500 registered at the moment with up to 2000 hoped for.

Really looking forward to the pasta party on the Saturday and the variety of fun, games and music that the organisers are laying on for the whole weekend. I

Nessie

07/08/2002 at 13:37

I'm entered - and I don't have any travelling!!!!(FOR A CHANGE)

Local advertiser thingy through the door at the end of last week said there were about 1000 entered so far. I think the 2000 is the target for the future, possibly to have 2008 runners in 2008 if we get "city of culture" for then.

I posted a description of the course on the old forum - happy to do it again if anyone wants.

I also just remembered that I offered to post details of good/cheap/handy accommodation before I went on holiday. I'll get on to it soon, honest!

Scotty.

07/08/2002 at 13:46

http://www.invernessbedandbreakfast.co.uk

Nessie,

I posted this address on the old forum. Very good rates for City Centre B&Bs.

Good news to hear that they're up to 1000. This will be my first marathon and I'm chuffed to be doing it in such an excellent location.

Nessie

09/08/2002 at 11:00

Had a look at the website Scotty. If you haven't booked yet, the nearest to the race start/pasta party (i.e. less than 5 mins walk) are Hebrides, East Dene and Taigh na Teile. Next closest are Ardgowan, Aros and Cambeth Lodge (10 mins walk approx). All are very hany for the city centre (i.e. pubs!) too.

I just hope the weather is good for the day, so that the scenery is at its best. I was out that way for a run (in the car) on Sunday and it was just gorgeous. Sunny, not a breath of wind so the loch was like glass, and very very green. Ahhhh, lurvely.

Nessie

26/08/2002 at 14:17

Got my race info through in the mail on Saturday.

I'm scared now...........

Scotty.

27/08/2002 at 11:28

The scarey bit's the 7:40 bus from the stadium to the start. Looks like I'll be having a very early breakfast.

Pasta party should be fun !

Nessie

27/08/2002 at 14:53

Hope you don't get travel sick.

Scotty.

27/08/2002 at 15:04

It could almost be a big practical joke. Fifteen coaches taking nearly 1000 runners out into the middle of nowhere and expecting them to make their own way back. And stressing that friends and family are not allowed access to the Start. Bags being No.6. Visions of big white balloons chasing me across Loch Ness.

Just hope they've had the foresight to hire coaches with toilets....actually now that I've given that some thought; with all the pre-race nerves it might be wise not to have loos on the coach !!!

Seriously though, it looks like we are well catered for with regard to water and Lucozade sport every few miles.

Nessie

27/08/2002 at 17:25

It does look as if they've thought of most things. Now all I have to do is finish before it gets dark.

Pre crash last night, I did notice the mile markers have already been painted on the road. So I can honestly say I've done miles 23 to 26 in the Loch Ness Marathon in about 10 minutes.

We don't have to mention the bike, do we?

Daisy Duke

28/08/2002 at 17:43

Hi,
I just got home yesterday and my pack was there waiting on me. Got this little buzz of excitement. Although naturally I'm terrifeid I dont finish, cos the training has not being going as well as planned. Tonight I shall be back out there, I'm looking at 1 1/2 hours, no mileage, just getting home without dropping will do.

Nessie

29/08/2002 at 14:18

Of course you'll finish, DD. Shattered Shins and I have been encouraging each other by planning a competition for last place. Our main aim is to finish before it gets dark, although I notice from the pack that the prizegiving is at 3.30pm. It would be a good aim to try to get back for that - five and a half hours. You'd be welcome to join us.

Daisy Duke

29/08/2002 at 21:47

Thanks Nessie,
But after last night I think finish sometime will do me. I ran 13.7 miles (went out tonight on the bike and measured it) the last 3 were total hell and I could barely lift my legs, they were like lead. The funny thing is I wanted to go faster, so my wee legs were barely making it above the paving stone's but were going ridiculously fast if you get my meaning. I must have been some sight... only I went out in daylight and it was pitch dark when I got home...
How do you get yourself capable of running 26 miles ? I'm at a loss...

Nessie

30/08/2002 at 13:33

Daisy

If you managed to cycle 13.7 miles tonight, you must be recovering well. I took nearly a minute off my best time for a 5 mile circuit last night, and I'm sure it's mostly due to the 15 miler I did early last week. Every long run makes you stronger, but it takes a week or more to feel the benefits. 15 miles has been my longest so far (planned 17/18 this week, but I fell off my bike on Monday) and I think SS has got up to 16 or so, so you're not that far behind us.

Keep going - you'll get there!

Scotty.

30/08/2002 at 14:13

Hi all,

I'm going for another attempt at 20 miles on Sunday morning; having failed two weeks ago when I gave up after 17 miles thanks to some interesting blisters (what a time to buy new shoes !!! Problem sorted now).

Just posting this by way of giving an added incentive to complete the run. I'd hate to have to report another failed attempt next week.

Happy training

Scotty

Nick Donaldson

30/08/2002 at 14:41

Is it still possible to gain entry for the 2002 Loch Ness Marathon? I've heard that the scenery around there is fantastic, and I'd love to take part.

Nick

Scotty.

30/08/2002 at 14:50

Hiya Nick,

I believe they are still keen for more entrants. They have stressed that there won't be entries on the day due to logistical problems.

Contact the organisers through the website : www.lochnessmarathon.com You can find details under the Events Header above.

The more the merrier.

Nessie

30/08/2002 at 14:52

Yes, entries still open - www.lochnessmarathon.com (online entry)

Apparently there are entries from 7 countries other than the UK including Australia and the US, and it is now "officially Scotland's biggest marathon" (according to today's Inverness Courier).

All welcome. Here endeth the Inverness Tourist Board spiel!

Daisy Duke

30/08/2002 at 18:20

OK Scotty... I'll be checking Sunday evening just to see if you have got the 20 miler... I'm running in the Paisley 10k so an easy 6 miles for me... I'll try for 15 next week.

Nessie, the moment I came home, I ate, tuna & beans & bread .. hopefully this aided towards the recovery.
Did you too have a bike crash ? my knee has scabbed over so tight it hurts to bend it in the morning... lovely !!

SS - The Last Unicorn

31/08/2002 at 16:32

I feel so thick - I've only just discovered this posting!!!

Yes I too have had my pack through - only I haven't paid them - just registered an interest - is this the same for everyone else ? I think I'm no.258.

Also is it just me being mean but why are they providing cups of Lucozade Sport instead of the satchets? I can't drink out of a cup without slobbering on the best of days let alone when I'm trying to limp along on a run?

Well Nessie I've done it - booked us all in at the Holiday Inn Express (on the basis that I won't feel guilty doing a last minute cancellation to a multi Million £ chain - but I would to a local family)!