Anyone hoping to take part in this year’s Baxters Loch Ness Marathon is being urged to move quickly after organisers revealed that only a small number of charity places remain for the 2026 event.

General entries for the 24th edition of the marathon sold out in record time, reaching capacity three months earlier than ever before and underlining the growing popularity of one of Scotland’s best loved running events.

With the traditional marathon distance now sold out, securing one of the remaining charity places has become the only way to join thousands of runners on the start line on Sunday 27 September.

Demand is also proving exceptionally strong across the wider Festival of Running, with registrations for the Baxters River Ness 10K already 85 per cent full and entries for the River Ness 5K also running ahead of last year’s pace.

For organisers, the surge in demand highlights the appeal of an event which has become one of the Highlands’ biggest annual sporting weekends, drawing competitors from across Scotland, the UK and beyond.

“The momentum behind this year’s event is absolutely incredible,” said Malcolm Sutherland, Chief Executive of Caledonian Concepts.

“While general marathon spaces are completely gone, those final charity places offer a deeply rewarding way to experience the magic of the finish line while making a tangible difference to incredible causes.

“For anyone else wanting to be part of the weekend, don’t wait and risk missing out.”

Participants taking one of the remaining charity places will support organisations including Macmillan Cancer Support, Alzheimer Scotland and My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.

The event has grown far beyond race day itself, with the Festival of Running in Bught Park expected once again to feature live music, family activities, food stalls and an event village atmosphere that has become a highlight of the Highland sporting calendar.

Each year, the marathon route takes runners through some of the Highlands’ most spectacular scenery before finishing in the heart of Inverness, providing participants with an experience that has earned the event an international reputation.

With places disappearing rapidly across every distance, organisers believe this year’s event could become one of the biggest and most successful editions yet.

For those still hoping to be involved, the message is clear: if you want to run beside Loch Ness this September, now may be your last chance.

Secure your spot now at www.lochnessmarathon.com