It may only be the second largest lake in Scotland, but it is the most famous by miles. It’s murky depths stretch 37km from Fort Augustus to Inverness and of course are said to house the legendary, elusive cryptozoological creature the Loch Ness Monster.
This point to point race takes the runners from one end to the other eventually crossing the Loch itself and finishing on the north bank. A family friendly festival feel is evident as the runners are treated to some Scottish Hospitality.
An early start saw Tim Cordery, club legend Dave Cass and his wife Sharon herded into their shuttle buses in the pouring rain to take them over to the startline. Dave embarking on his 40th marathon.
Starting with a bagpiper on the atmospheric moorland on the high ground just outside Fort Augustus, the boys started with a lovely downhill couple of miles toward Whitebridge. They then ran along the south bank of the Loch, taking in the stunning natural beauty as they went through Foyers and lnverfarigaig.
Meanwhile Tim’s wife Amanda was on the startline of the River Ness 10k for her club debut. A flat and downhill point to point course it goes through Inverness and along the banks of the River Ness. Starting on Culduthel Avenue, the route wiggles through the town before joining the marathon course to the finish area.
Amanda rose to the occasion wearing her vest with pride as she flew around the course as she smashed her PB by over 3 minutes.
“I’m super chuffed! I’m closing in on my hour target” she beamed.
Meanwhile the marathoners were still out there. At 10 miles they found themselves at “Loch level” as they enjoyed not only a flat 10k but some panoramic views of the famous waterway. It was along this stretch that Tim had to stop for another “comfort break” and Dave went on ahead.
“I couldn’t catch him after that” said Tim “note to self…. don’t over hydrate”
16 miles behind them now and they’d reached adores. This was the start of a long uphill drag.
“Dave told me it was flat….. he lied! It made Pallance Road look like a Mole Hill!” Said Tim
Hill conquered they were back on the downhill as they hit 20 miles and Scaniport. One more climb and the rest was downhill.
At 24 miles they reached Inverness and the end of the Loch. They turned right on to the Ness Bridge to cross the water they’d been skirting for the last 40k.
One more turn and the finishline in Bught Park was in sight.
Dave made it across the line just under the 4 hour mark and Tim just over. They both nipped off to enjoy their complementary food and collect their goody bags and waited for Daves wife Sharon to finish her marathon journey.
10k
Amanda Cordery – 1.06.54
Marathon
Dave Cass – 3.57.38
Tim Cordery – 4.03.17
