Two former winners of the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon will be lining up on the start line along with over 2,300 other runners taking part in this Sunday’s race. Local favourite, Simon Pride, a postman in Fochabers, who won the Marathon in 2004 and 2005 will be keen reclaim top spot on the podium from last year’s winner, Zakary Kihara of Kenya, who returns to defend his title. In the women’s marathon, Scotland’s Roz Alexander is tipped to do well.

Burundi running star, Jean Ndayisenga is looking to add Baxters River Ness 10K title to his growing list of 10K victories in this, his first season competing in the UK.  Running for Birchfield Harriers, he ran the fastest leg in the National Road Relays in April this year and has a 10K best time of 28-12. The favourite in the women’s 10K race is the in-form Tanzanian Banuelia Katesigwa, whose 10K PB time is 32-09. She is hoping to take over the winning mantle from 3 times previous winner Cathy Mutwa, who is not competing in the event this year.

Over 5,500 runners of all ages and abilities from Scotland, the UK and overseas have entered the Festival of Running, which comprises three different races, the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon, the Baxters River Ness 10K and the Baxters River Ness 5K Fun Run. There are a limited number of entries for the 5K available on race weekend.

The event not only attracts elite Scottish, international and club runners, but also proves massively popular with amateurs, joggers and those who run to raise money for charity. Last year's event raised a fantastic £408,311.

Fifty different nationalities are represented in this year’s event, with athletes from as far afield as Australia, Brazil, Japan,  Kenya, New Zealand and Trinidad.

Malcolm Sutherland, event and race director, said: “This is the sixth year of the Loch Ness Marathon and it’s immensely rewarding to see the event grow each year. It’s fantastic to see such a mix of people coming from all over the world to take part, from top athletes to fun runners, many of whom are raising thousands of pounds for charity.”

Audrey Baxter, chairman and chief executive of the title sponsors, Baxters Food Group commented:  "During the last five years, the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running has captured the imagination of runners throughout the UK, and we are proud to be part of it.

"Healthy eating and fitness go hand in hand, and Baxters' sponsorship of this high profile sporting event emphasises its commitment to promote a healthy, balanced diet and active lifestyle."

The Festival of Running has a tremendous impact on the local economy as runners, their supporters and the local community head to Inverness and the Loch Ness area to soak up the race weekend atmosphere; almost £1 million was spent on accommodation, food and activities in 2006.

Scott Armstrong, Area Director VisitScotland Highland said: "High calibre events such as the Loch Ness Marathon are becoming increasingly important to tourism throughout Scotland. The benefits of the Loch Ness Marathon are wide ranging, by introducing runners to an area of spectacular beauty and providing them with a fantastic experience, they will go home with a very positive story to tell their friends and family. These experiences encourage repeat tourism and have a long term economic benefit for the Highlands."

The Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running is one of hundreds of events benefiting from funding through Highland 2007, the year long programme promoting the Highlands and Islands as a great place to live and visit, by showcasing the best of Highland culture and events. Fiona Hampton, director of Highland 2007, who will be officially starting the Loch Ness Marathon said: “The Baxter’s Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running has gone from strength to strength each year, becoming a real ‘must do’ in any runner’s calendar.  The spectacular setting and festival atmosphere make the event a great day out for runners and spectators alike. We’re delighted this event is part of the Highland 2007 programme and I wish all those taking part good luck and hope the Highland weather is kind to them!”

Over 40 charities are set to benefit from funds raised at the event, including the Scottish Community Foundation, Highland Hospice, Leonard Cheshire, Marie Curie Cancer Care and Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres.

Organisers hope that spectators will come and support all runners and enjoy the carnival atmosphere at Queens Park Stadium, the finish venue of all three races. Spectators are advised that the best place for viewing the marathon is the last four miles on the way into Inverness, and for the 10K and 5K along the banks of the River Ness. Included in the weekend festivities are a pre-race Pasta Party, pipes & drums, live bands and family fun activities.

The prize-givings take place at 1245  (10K) and 1345 (Marathon) at Queen’s Park Stadium.

For further information visit: www.lochnessmarathon.com

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

• For details of the elite athletes competing in the marathon & 10K – contact Sue McKichan, Tel: 07802 685454
• Baxters Food Group, a world-renowned producer of quality foods, has been title sponsor of the Loch Ness Marathon since 2002. www.baxters.com
• The event is supported by the Highland 2007 Regional Events Programme. Highland 2007 aims to promote the Highlands as a great place to live and to visit through showcasing the unique and special nature of Highland culture past, present and future. The project is a partnership between three principal funding agencies: The Highland Council, the Scottish Executive, and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. See www.highland2007.com for full details.
• Other sponsors include: Highland Spring, Lucozade Sport, GORE Running Wear™, Scottish Co-operative, TNT and Run and Become.
• The Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running is one of three events short-listed for a Scottish Thistle Award in the International Events and Festivals category of the 2007 VisitScotland Scottish Thistle Awards. The overall winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony and dinner on 26 October 2007.
• The Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running was founded by the Scottish Community Foundation (SCF).
• The Scottish Community Foundation aims to distribute £7.5m every year to charities and constituted voluntary groups throughout Scotland from 2012. http://www.scottishcf.org 
• The five nominated charities in 2007 are Highland Hospice, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres, Leonard Cheshire and the Scottish Community Foundation. The 35+ plus associated charities are listed at: www.lochnessmarathon.com/charities
• The Baxters Loch Ness Marathon starts between Fort Augustus and Foyers and follows a point-to-point route along the south side of Loch Ness; the Baxters River Ness 10K and River Ness 5K Fun Run take place in the Highland capital of Inverness. All three races finish in Inverness Queens Park Stadium.

For further press information, please contact:

Sue McKichan, Loch Ness Marathon, Tel: 07802 685454, Email: s.mckichan@btinternet.com