Thousands of runners will be pledging their allegiance to their clans before taking on the north’s largest marathon later this month.
Almost 2,000 runners from the length and breadth of Britain – and further afield – will make the pledges in an effort to lift the title in the new Clan Challenge at the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running on September 28.
Runners taking on the marathon distance right down to the 5K race have aligned themselves with a traditional Highland clan to discover who can get the most members – and who is fastest over the course.
Runners from all across the UK have accepted the challenge – as well as three runners from Brazil who are set to take up the challenge, travelling across the Atlantic to represent the MacDuffs in the 10K distance.
There are also international foot soldiers from Australia, North America, Europe and Hong Kong all taking up arms to represent their clan.
Runners taking part in the festival are encouraged to wear a dash of tartan as part of the challenge, which will form part of the Year of Homecoming 2014.
Race director Malcolm Sutherland says, “There has been a fantastic response to the Clan Challenge, and we are delighted that so many runners have chosen to declare their loyalty to their clans.
“Around a quarter of all the runners who have signed up to take part in the various events are Clan Challenge participants.
“It is brilliant to see people from around the world connecting with their Scottish roots, and coming together to celebrate their heritage in one of the most spectacular locations in Scotland.
“This year’s Festival of Running is set to be the best yet and we look forward to welcoming seasoned runners and newcomers alike to take part in the races that are taking place throughout the day.”
A number of roads will be closed in Inverness and along the south bank of Loch Ness where the marathon race begins.
All of the races finish at Bught Park in the centre of Inverness.