Loch Ness Marathon

The most straightforward trip on this list, and a fine first destination marathon. Runners are taken by coach from Inverness to a moorland start between Whitebridge and Fort Augustus, then follow the southeastern shore of Loch Ness back toward the city, crossing the River Ness to finish in the Highland capital. Because it is point to point, the whole race heads somewhere, with the loch for company rather than a loop through city streets, and staying in Inverness means no early drive to the start. It draws more than 6,000 runners, so it feels like an event without big-city hassle, and the 2026 race sold out faster than any before it, so enter early. It is held each fall; the 2027 race is on September 26.