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Inverness Half Marathon

  • 12:30 on Sunday 10 March 2024
  • Age: 17 years or over
  • Price: from £35

Looking for a spring-time challenge, something to train for and work towards through the Autumn and Winter months?

The Inverness Half Marathon is the perfect Spring race to keep you motivated and training. This popular race follows a scenic route with great PB potential through the Highland capital of Inverness.

The route starts alongside the banks of the River Ness near the centre of Inverness and takes in many of the city’s icons. A warm Highland welcome awaits all runners as they approach the finish line on entering Queen’s Park Stadium at Inverness Sports Centre – achieved by a record 3400 runners in 2022.

Sign up to 2025 Early Bird

The Route

The Inverness Half Marathon starts on the riverside at Bught Park and follows the river along Bishops Road, Ness Walk and Ardross Street before crossing Ness Bridge in the centre of Inverness and turning right into Castle Road beneath Inverness Castle. The route continues south along Ness Bank and Island Bank Road / Dores Road (B862) towards Dores. The route then turns left into Torbreck Road and continues along this quiet rural road before turning into Essich Road and taking in the residential areas of Lochardil and Drummond.  Runners turn right at Holm roundabout and follow the B862 back into the centre of Inverness, turning left over Ness Bridge and running alongside River Ness to the finish on the running track at Queens Park Stadium (Inverness Sports Centre).

Entry Includes

  • Finisher's technical t-shirt
  • Finisher's medal
  • Event giveaway
  • Electronic timing
  • Downloadable finisher's certificate
  • Water stations along the route and at the finish

 

So the challenge is there: a beautiful run over a course suitable for all levels of ability. We invite you to take your place on the start line!

 

Runner Feedback

“ Loved my first time at the Inverness Half and most certainly won’t be my last. Thanks for such a well organised race with great support along the way! ”

Runner

FAQ

When do entries close?

Early bird entry for the 2025 Inverness Half Marathon & 5K is open until 31 October 2025.  Regular entry for the Half Marathon is open until midday on 3 March 2025, subject to race capacity.

We do not accept any race day entries for the Inverness Half Marathon although limited race day entries are available on race day for the 5K, subject to race capacity.

How old must I be to compete?

The Inverness Half Marathon is open to runners aged 17 and over on the day of the race.

What is included in the entry fee?

Your entry fee includes a commemorative finisher’s medal, finisher’s technical t-shirt, event giveaway, electronic timing, downloadable finisher’s certificate (from marathon photos live), water stations along the route and at the finish.

Can I make changes to my entry?

Changes to your entry, for example club name or your address, can be made by logging into your Active account by 18 February 2024. This link is also included on your confirmation email.  After this date, please tell us at Registration if you wish to make any changes.

Is it possible to enter on race day?

We’re sorry but there are absolutely no race day entries for the Inverness Half Marathon due to the practicalities of planning for a fixed number of participants. There are limited race day entries for the 5K ONLY, subject to race capacity.

How do I know that my online entry worked?

You will have received a confirmation email at the time of registering, if this did not happen please contact us or you can log-in to the My Events page to check your entry.

Is it possible to transfer my place to another runner or a different race?

If you are no longer able to participate, it is possible to transfer your place to another runner. You can do this by logging into your entry through My Events. Please note it is your responsibility to find a replacement runner and the transfer of place must be completed by 17 February 2025. Once the new runner has claimed the transfer and paid the full entry fee online, you will automatically be issued with a refund, minus the transfer fee.

Please see our terms and conditions of entry for further information.

We’re sorry but we do not operate a transfer system between races. If you are interested in taking part in another race you can still register online until midday on 3 March 2025 (or earlier if race capacity is reached), but you will have to pay the registration fee.

Please note: Never swap your race number with any other runner, as this could cause problems for our medical teams and results service. If race organisers become aware of anyone who swaps their race number they will be disqualified and reported to Scottish Athletics.

I don’t want to enter online; can I pay for my entry over the phone or by cheque?

We’re sorry but we can only accept entry and payments online.

Do you offer elite entries?

The Inverness Half Marathon offers a limited number of free entries for elite runners who have achieved the standards specified here within the 24 months prior to the 2025 race.

If you have achieved these standards and are interested in taking part in the race, please email us stating your name, age, email address, club name and details of where and when you have achieved the standards, along with a link to power of 10.

Applications will be considered up to 3 March 2025, but only a limited number of places are available and these will be allocated on a first come basis.

When will I receive my race pack or race number?

Race numbers are allocated after the entry closing date, and will be posted on our website. You will receive an email advising you of this.

Half marathon runners are not required to attend pre-race registration as race packs (including race number with timing chip and baggage label) will be sent in late February/March.

5K runners should attend registration on Sunday 10.30-12.00 at Inverness Sports Centre to collect their race number.

Do I have to attend registration?

There is no pre-race registration for the Inverness Half Marathon as all runners will be sent their race pack (including timing chip and baggage label) by post in advance.

Where can I park?

·         It is anticipated the area around Inverness Sports Centre will be very busy on the morning of the event and traffic flow will be slow. We encourage you to allow plenty of time, park a distance away and walk to the Sports Centre or consider car sharing or walking/cycling where possible.

·        Limited parking will be available at the Inverness Sports Centre and Highland Council car parks (parking charges apply). See parking map here.

How many drink stations are there on the course?

There are 4 water stations on the course located at 3, 6, 9 and 11.5 miles and water will also be available at the finish line.

We are committed to reducing the carbon footprint of the event wherever possible and our aim is to reduce the amount of single use plastic as well as minimise the amount of water that is wasted.  All four water stations on the course will use paper cups instead of water bottles.

 

Are there distance markers on the course?

Yes, there are ascending mile markers along the Half Marathon route.

Is there a cut-off time?

The Inverness Half Marathon is a running event and we welcome all runners to take part. Our aim is to support every runner, whatever their pace, from start to finish and provide the best possible experience.

The half marathon starts at 12.30 and the race cut-off time is 3hr 30min at 16.00. In the interests of safety and to minimise the disruption to the local community and residents, the course starts to re-open after 2hr 30min at 15.00. If you think that you will take longer than 2hr 30min, we ask you to use the pavement. Participants still on the course after the cut-off time continue at their own risk.

Are there toilets on the course?

Yes, there are portable toilets located at the start line and on the course at 3 and 9 miles. There are also toilets available at the Inverness Sports Centre.

Are there showers and changing facilities?

There are changing, shower and toilet facilities at the Sports Centre. Please remember that the general public will be using these facilities at the same time and you are asked to consider them whilst you are using them.

Is massage available?

Massage will be available in the Sports Hall during Registration and post-race in return for a donation to our official charities.

Has the route been measured accurately?

The Half Marathon route has been accurately measured by a qualified Scottish Athletics route measurer.

Can I run wearing headphones?

In accordance with Scottish Athletics rules and for health and safety reasons you cannot participate in any of our races whilst listening to any personal music that will restrict your ability to hear the sounds around you on the day.

We do allow the use of earphones that use bone conduction technology, which allow the wearer to listen to music while still being aware of their surroundings.

Can wheelchair users enter the Half Marathon?

We’re sorry but we do not have a wheelchair race within our Half  Marathon due to safety and logistical reasons, however it is possible to enter the Inverness 5K as a wheelchair entrant.

Are buggies and pushchairs allowed?

For safety reasons, we do not allow runners to take buggies onto any sections of the Half Marathon route. Buggies are allowed in the 5K.

Are dogs allowed?

Unfortunately, for safety reasons we do not allow dogs to run with you in either of the races. Dogs are also not permitted within Inverness Sports Centre or the finish line at Queens Park Stadium.

Can I be supported by bike along the route?

For safety reasons, it is strictly forbidden for cyclists to cycle alongside runners in either of the races.

Can I run in fancy dress?

We welcome runners in fancy dress however we do reserve the right to prevent you from participating in any race if we consider that the fancy dress outfit may cause danger or risk of danger to you or other participants. We’re sorry but you can’t use roller skates, push a wheel barrow, pull a hand cart or use walking poles.

What happens if I need to retire?

If you wish to retire at any point during the race, please approach one of our medical or marshal teams. First aiders will be located at every water station. Should runners not be allowed to continue for medical reasons or require medical treatment, Race HQ will be notified. For safety reasons, please do not leave the course without informing an event official or marshal.

Can I get a photograph of myself running the race?

We have teamed up with Marathon Photos Live, the leading event photography company in the world photographing over 700 mass participation events in over 35 countries. Every runner will find their photos and video within 24 to 48 hours after the event and can also download a FREE personalised Event Certificate.

Your official photos from the Inverness Half Marathon and 5K will be going LIVE from the moment you pass a MarathonPhotos Live photographer around the course. Share your race number with your friends and family and they can register here to be notified as soon as your first photos are available online. They can then see your progress throughout the event. They might even buy your photos and your video as a well-done gift before you’ve even crossed the finish line! Don’t forget to share your photos and video on social media and with friends & family so they can share your achievement.

Find your photos and certificate here

 

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