Hight recommend this race! PROS: - Good course for a fast time - Water in sports bottles - You can warm up in front of the start line - Buses were slick and stress free - Super scenic - Nice goody bag before and after. Especially liked the socks - Lovely surprise to have spectators at villages and laybys. Was a real boost! - The support station from Versus was excellent - Good expo with high quality running merchandise - Good event village with food and family entertainment and coffee! - The volunteer cleanup team were sensational! - Halfway split was helpful and the mile markers were were super clear - Start time was perfect - Time based pens were really good and not too busy - Friendly volunteers and staff everywhere - Prizes for lots of age categories - Frequent dedicated litter drop areas CONS - Have to collect bib day before - Long toilet queues at start (get on an early bus to avoid)

I have run many marathons before, and this one reminds me of Boston due to its challenging course, featuring steep uphills and downhills. However, it is very well organized from start to finish and free of overcrowding, allowing you to enjoy incredible views and run at your own pace right from the start, given the marathon's family-friendly atmosphere.

This was my first ever marathon and if all marathons are like this then I'm sure I will run many more. From the very beginning I thought the communication and support leading up to the event was fantastic. Over the course of the weekend I registered on the Saturday and then took in the running village and enjoyed all it had to offer, listen to stories and enjoying a soup and roll in the tent. The sweets, tablets and socks was a surprise when I collect my bib, but a very welcome one. When it came to Sunday I headed down to get the buses which was organised brilliantly, to get that many people on the bus in one lift with no mistakes is testament to the planning that has went into this event, when we arrived at the start line we had 60 mins to take in the scenery and listen to the voice of the marathon get the runners going, having the music at the start along with the local Pipeband from Lochaber was a really nice touch. The race itself was tough but rewarding, it is clear to see why this is such a popular and sought after marathon for people all around the world. When the race was finished and you cross the line you are immediately meet with your medal to cement what you have just done. Lastly but certainly not least I have to thank and praise the unsung heroes of this event, the volunteers, all of them, from toilet duty to handing out water and sweets to the runners. Without them this event doesn't happen, no if but or maybe, it doesn't happen and I can't thank them enough for all they did. For my first marathon this has set a standard so high I'm not sure it can be matched. Thank you

I’ll remember this marathon as the most epic and beautifull running event I’ve ever done. But also the most monstrous and brutal race, which made it for me one of the most memorable running events… It was a Total experience I’ll bever forget. Scottish people are great, ; everything was super organised and a big shout out for all the volunteers and Nessie. A monstrous friend for life 😉