All about the FitNess!

Keeping fit has many benefits to a person’s health, it improves your mood, helps you sleep, and can reduce your risk of getting major illnesses. Over recent years it has become more and more popular to participate in big sporting events, whether it’s for your health, for charity or for both! Here on Loch Ness there are sporting events to suit every person’s needs, from marathon’s to obstacle courses, what could be better than getting out into the great outdoors and keeping fit whilst being surrounded by a beautiful landscape!

Each year at the start of October the Highlands welcomes thousands of runners from across the country to take part in the Baxters Loch Ness marathon. This is no mere jog! Starting between Fort August and Foyers on the south side of Loch Ness, the route is 26 miles through stunning landscape back to Inverness. The beautiful scenery and fantastic atmosphere got this marathon voted as one of the top 10 in the world back in 2016. However, if the 26 miles is not for you then there is a choice to do a 10k or for the younger runners amongst us there’s an 800-meter run called the Wee Nessie…I know which one I’d rather do.

If you’re an avid cyclist, then don’t worry as Loch Ness also has the perfect sporting event for you! Etape Loch Ness takes part every April, starting and finishing in Inverness the route will take you on a closed road around the whole of Loch Ness. This event provides you with the perfect chance to whizz through this iconic landscape without being bothered by any other traffic, but don’t forget to keep an eye out for oor Nessie!

If you like to keep active but prefer to take things at a slightly slower pace then the Great Glen Challenge is a super way not only see Loch Ness but keep up your fitness at the same time. Starting in the little town of Invermoriston you can choose to take part in either a 14,21 or 32 mile walk (or run) along the famous Great Glen Way taking in spectacular views over Loch Ness as you go. The next challenge will be taking part in May 2020 so still plenty of time to get those walking boots broken in.

Looking for something with a bit more of a fun factor? The Beast race takes place on the shores of Loch Ness every August. This 10K obstacle course race has become a firm favourite with many locals and visitors providing a challenge and a barrel of laughs at the same time. You can choose to take part as an individual or in a team. Word of warning, be prepared to get wet and very muddy as this race will have you running, swimming and crawling through all sorts!

 If sporting events aren’t quite your scene then why not take in the beautiful sights of Loch Ness on one of our cruises, sit back, relax and just enjoy the dramatic scenery as it passes you by, no effort required!