Running events and Marathons in The Highlands

Looking for the next running challenge to get stuck into? Whether you are looking for a family 5k or want to do your first half or full marathon there are so many great running events in The Highlands - with so much to do Aviemore makes the perfect base. Combine your run with a relaxing week at your very own Highland Lodge - the hot tub will be perfect for those tired legs.

• Aviemore Half Marathon
  
  This isn’t one we have done ourselves but we have heard from friends it is quite a challenging one but well worth it for varied terrain and scenery. the route takes you from Glenmore to Aviemore with the stunning Cairngorms and Loch Morlich as your back drop.
  
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• Loch Ness Marathon
  
  The marathon itself sees runners be bussed out to loch ness and they run all the way back to Inverness ending by going past the castle on both sides of the river. It is rightly regarded as a bucket list run by many who travel here for it due to stunning scenery and chance to say they have run beside the famous loch. The marathon is part of a festival running including a 10km and kids events. The 10km sees runners follow the river ness on both sides. All events have a great supportive atmosphere. Inverness is a short 30minute drive from Aviemore.
  
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• Dramathon
  
  Love whisky? This is the one for you. Set in Speyside amongst the world famous distilleries you can do everything from a 10k to full marathon - including a half marathon and team relay. The further you run the more whisky miniatures you get.
  
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• Culloden 17.46
  
  If you are looking for something that is a step up from a 10km but not quite ready for a half or full marathon, this 17.46km run (the unusual distance corresponds to year of battle of Culloden) -- its a small event organised by chest heart and stroke Scotland but takes you alongside the historic battlefield, out past Clava Cairns and under the Victorian grandeur of the Culloden Viaduct. Of all the races I have done this was my favourite - even though some of the hilly bits were quite tough! There is currently no 2021 run listed online yet but keep an eye on CHAS site for future events.
  
  
• Inverness Half
  
  This one is organised by the same people that bring us the more well known and popular Loch Ness Marathon. It isn’t the most scenic run with much of it taking place on pavements around the suburbs of Inverness though you do get to run alongside the River Ness. It is well organised and also has family friendly 5k.
  
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Like everything at the moment, these events may be subject to change depending on corona virus restrictions. All of these events come highly recommended and are well worth planning a trip to the Highlands for.