Final call for ballot entries to the 2008 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon

Organisers of the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running are today reminding all potential Marathon runners that applications for the entry ballot must be submitted before the deadline of Thursday 1 May.

Although runners from the UK may still secure a place after the ballot deadline by participating for one of the event’s official charities or through their running club, all other Marathon places will be allocated through the ballot scheme.

To enter the ballot, competitors should visit the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon website at www.lochnessmarathon.com and follow the online instructions, or call the hotline on 0870 127 8000.

Malcolm Sutherland, event and race director for Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running, said: “The number of places available for the Marathon is limited and so each year a ballot is held to allocate places to people who have applied to run in the event. This particular Marathon course has great appeal with runners as it is one of the most scenic routes in the UK. Everyone interested in participating in this, the UK’s third largest Marathon, should submit their entry now to be sure to make the 1 May deadline.”

Malcolm continued: “Many runners will already have begun training for the event but even if they are unsuccessful in the ballot there may still be places available with the event’s official charities. Full details on all nominated and associated charities are available on our website. Running club members are also still able to apply for a place beyond the 1 May deadline.”

This year’s Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running takes place on Sunday 5 October 2008. As well as the Marathon, the Festival incorporates the Baxters River Ness 5k Fun Run and Baxters River Ness 10k, offering opportunities for runners of all ages and abilities to participate. The Festival incorporates a fantastic programme of entertainment for all participants and spectators, including pipes and drums, ceilidh bands and children’s entertainment at the Inverness Queens Park Stadium, the finishing line for all three running events.

Entries from running clubs, charities and overseas participants for the Marathon, and for the 5k and 10k events, are open until 15 September or until the events reach capacity, whichever is sooner. For more information about Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running visit www.lochnessmarathon.com.