A Taste for Events - EventScotland

TASTEFUL EVENTSBAXTERS LOCH NESSMARATHON ANDFESTIVAL OF RUNNINGBaxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival ofRunning is a mass participation event thatattracts over 8,300 runners from 32 differentcountries and an additional 10,000 spectators. 2011was the event’s 10th anniversary and it has grownto incorporate a River Ness 10K, a 10k CorporateChallenge, a 5K Fun Run and a Wee Nessie Run forpre-school children.The internationally renowned Scottish food company,Baxters, provide title sponsorship for the event andhost a Pasta Party on the evening before the marathon,where participants can enjoy a carbohydrate packedmeal, dance to a local band and get fully prepared withthe help of on-hand physios.Scotland’s Highland Spring, are the event’s officialwater sponsor supplying drink stations throughoutthe Marathon and 10K routes. Lucozade Sport are theofficial energy drink sponsor and also provide energydrinks along the route.In 2010, the event received support fromEventScotland’s International Events Programme andmoved to a new, larger finish area at Inverness’ BughtPark, where a dozen local producers took part in aHighlands Food & Drink Fayre showcasing the best oflocal produce through tastings, demonstrations andby selling their ready-to-eat produce to the public.The Baxters Food & Drink Fayre has now become anintegral, core element of the event.Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Runningraises funds for over 40 charities including many localcommunity groups and is an example of an eventworking with food and drink companies who recognisethe sponsorship advantages of being associated withan international event attracting so many people. Fulldetails can be found at www.lochnessmarathon.com.20