Loch Ness entry deadline tomorrow
There's only one day left if you want to join the cosmopolitan band of runners from 30 different countries who have already signed up for the Baxters Loch Ness marathon on 29th September.
The closing date for guaranteed entries is Monday 1st July, so there'sno time to waste.
Competitors are coming from Australia, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, USA as well as 17 European nations. They all want to be part of what has become one of the most popular participation sporting events in Scotland and to experience one of the country’s premier running festivals.
The Baxters Loch Ness marathon is one of the biggest 26.2 mile race in Scotland and the accompanying Baxters River Ness 10K and 5K runs are also growing in attractiveness and status each year. This year's 10K includes a Corporate Challenge open to teams of four to six runners. There's also a Wee Nessie run, a 400m event for youngsters aged five and under.
Race organiser Malcolm Sutherland is urging runners to sign up as quickly as possible to avoid disappointment.
He said:"It's fantastic to see so many people from all over the world joining thousands of UK runners in making the decision to come to the Baxters Loch Ness marathon.
"This will be the 12th year of the marathon and the atmosphere just seems to get better every time.
"We would be delighted to welcome as many runners as possible, but it's vital that folk get their entry in by 1st July.
"After that date, entries will only be available for Scottishathletics members, members of affiliated UK running clubs, and through official charity Macmillan Cancer Care and our other affiliate charities."
The fastest marathoners are expected to complete the scenic course in around 2hours 20minutes, but the event caters for runners of all levels of ability and experience, and for all ages. The youngest entrant so far is 18 and the oldest is 75.
The race will double up as the Scottish championship for the third year in a row and this is already grabbing the attention of a number of top level competitors. The £1500 prize for the first man and woman is also proving to be a big incentive.
Sutherland said:"It's a great honour for us to be hosting the Scottish championships for the third time. It demonstrates that the athletics authorities think very highly of the event.
"But while we are delighted to cater for elite performers we are equally committed to ensure that each and every person who takes part in our races has a wonderful and memorable experience."
Entries for the Baxters Loch Ness marathon and festival of running can be made at www.lochnessmarathon.com