Final call for entries to events in the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running

Participants in this year's Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running are reminded to enter now to be sure of their place on the starting line on Sunday 2 October 2011.

The Festival, based at the Bught Park in Inverness, features events for all ages and abilities.

·         The Marathon, the fourth largest in the UK, is one of the most scenic running events in the country and has an excellent reputation for organisation and friendliness within the athletic community.

·         For those not yet in the running for a marathon, there is the Baxters River Ness 10K and the Baxters River Ness 5K Fun Run.

o    The flat course of the Baxters River Ness 10K offers excellent potential for a fast time, making it popular with runners throughout the country.

o    The 5K Fun Run is popular with people new to the running and is also open to wheelchair entrants. 

·         The HSBC 10K Corporate Challenge offers an opportunity for teams from a single employer to compete for one of five new prize categories, supporting each other's fitness regime, as well as offering a competitive element between organisations. It is open to teams of four to six employees from all UK private and public sector businesses and organisations.

All events finish in a spectacular location in the Bught Park, beside the River Ness and close to the city centre.

Entry is open until midnight on 12 September for all Festival events including the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon, Baxters River Ness 10K and the Baxters River Ness 5K Fun Run, as well as Marathon places for charity, club and overseas runners.

Entry is open on the day of the Festival for the Wee Nessie, a monster walk, run or jog for pre-school age children with a parent or carer around a short circuit in the Bught Park.

Malcolm Sutherland, race director of Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running, said: "With people of all ages and abilities taking part in the event, it generates a fantastic fun festival feeling in the Bught Park in Inverness, the finish line for all events. This year there will be lots of entertainment for runners and supporters of all ages, including the Baxters Highland Food & Drink Fayre, live music, as well as the expo with charity and sports retail stands. Make sure you make it a date in your diary and come along to participate or cheer on other runners."

A fantastic programme of entertainment is on offer in the Festival village for all family and friends turning out to cheer the runners. Live music, the Baxters Food and Drink Fayre, a sports expo and activities for kids, provides lots to do for runners and companions of all ages.

In this year of Active Scotland, the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running on Sunday 2 October 2011 is a great opportunity for everyone to take part in a running event. Visit www.lochnessmarathon.com to enter now.

Alison Bell