More than 8,000 runners are on their marks and getting set for the 15th anniversary edition of the Loch Ness Marathon this weekend.
Participants from around the globe will descend on Inverness this weekend to take part in events ranging from a fun run to the full 26.2 miles.
Just under half of all marathon entrants will come from outwith Scotland, and a total of 41 different nationalities will be represented on the start line.
The largest international group comes from Japan – 25 members of the Full Hyaku Club – aged between 60 and 80 – will be taking part in the marathon and 10K.
Besides runners from the UK, the top three most represented countries in the marathon are the USA, France and Germany.
The oldest participant is 80-year-old Audrey Macbeth from Newton Mearns, who will take part in the 10k while a baby boy aged just five months will be participating in the Wee Nessie.
The marathon will have five very special entrants who have taken part in all 15 editions of the 26.2 mile run.
They are Erica Christie, from Cambuslang Harriers, Fiona Rennie of Carnegie Harriers, Kenneth Stewart from Perth Road Runners, John Cassells of Carnegie Harriers, and Lucy Mackay from Bellahouston Road Runners.
There will be a special presentation to the famous five at the marathon base in Bught Park on Saturday, thanking them for their support over the years and commemorating the achievement.
Race director Malcolm Sutherland says everyone connected with the event is looking forward to what will be a very special milestone.
He said: “When we started this incredible journey 15 years ago, we knew that Loch Ness and Inverness could offer a very special experience for runners and we are very proud of the reputation that it has garnered.”
