Hosted near the charming village of Dores, the Loch Ness 24 featured a 7km loop course capturing the scenic banks of Loch Ness. With an elevation gain of approximately 300 feet per loop, the course navigated through forest trails, pebble beaches, and grassy hillsides. Dubbed as the UK’s most demanding 24-hour relay course, this event attracted diverse participants, including teams of various sizes and solo runners.

The Loch Ness 24 race of 2023 was an unforgettable experience for myself, amidst relentless torrential rain that had begun on the Friday and only let up in the early hours of Sunday. The weather transformed the course into a treacherously muddy challenge, pushing runners to their limits. Being part of a team of three within a larger group of six teams, alongside numerous solo runners, created banter that amplified the spirit of the event.

Training for LOCH NESS 24

Considering I had only just completed the Devil of the Highlands two weeks previous, my participation was driven by the desire for a social adventure. I had aimed to complete 7 loops (49km), which would make me reach 4 ultramarathons in 7 weeks, but I was content with whatever outcome unfolded.

I kept the structure to my training fairly simple, and low mileage so as to ensure I was still able to recover from the 42-mile race 2 weeks previous. I spent more time on the indoor bike increasing zone 2 aerobic training, and keeping my impact low. The runs I did choose to do reflected the event. For example, the Sunday prior to Loch Ness 24, I did 21km split into 3 runs throughout the day. This was great practice for fuelling in-between runs and also having the motivation to get going again.

Loch Ness 24: RACE DAY

The day before the race, I embarked on a recce of the route with fellow runners and felt a tinge of unease as I encountered particularly root-laden sections, and understanding the route may be more challenging that I first suspected. The buzz in the morning was electric. We all went down to the start line to cheer on the first runners starting at 10am. A giant Nessie took the lead as the gun went off, and the runners headed off to begin the 24 hour journey.

I elected to run last in my team, allowing my teammates to acclimate to the course before my turn. I began my first loop around 12:30 pm, and chose to complete two loops in a row before transitioning to single loops for the remainder of the event. I found the single loops easier to recover from, and still had plenty time between my teammates running to have food and to change into dry clothes before starting again.

The course certainly developed as the hours passed by, becoming increasingly muddier, leaving some sections practically un-runnable, unless you fancied skidding down a slope on your bottom! Although there were those speedy runners that seemed to have no fear and found a good technique for whizzing through the mud. I, however, took my time and giggled with others as we slipped and slides our way through.

Being part of a big group, and knowing many faces through Instagram running community, it allowed plenty opportunity to run loops with others, certainly a highlight of the weekend for me. Especially spending time next to those taking on the event solo, and witnessing the grit and determination to keep pushing. The rain was hard enough for us in a group, who had plenty opportunity to rest and get dry in-between loops. But the solo runners never had that luxury.

The night’s darkness added an exhilarating dimension to the race, with my final loop commencing at 2 am. Surprisingly, I felt more invigorated than during previous runs, which seemed amusing given that a marathon’s distance (6 loops) was now akin to a warm-up in these ultramarathons. This energy was likely a product of the two-hour break between loops 6 and 7, where I actually sat down the entire time, a welcome respite from the constant movement that characterised the day.

LOCH NESS 24: FOOD

I knew there was a variety of food options available to purchase at the event, including freshly baked pizzas, however, I am a stickler for sticking to what works. My fuelling strategy matched what I would normally have at home and in preparation of ultramarathons and long runs. And for me, that means a big bowl of pasta the night before race day. My fellow teammates as well as the wider group opted for the pizza, and although they did look good, the wait time was over an hour! So I was very grateful to have my pasta with me, and I could eat it at a time that suited my strategy.

Race day meant beginning the day with a hearty bowl of porridge accompanied by chia seeds and banana. Inbetween loops I stuffed my face with PB&J sandwiches, bananas, medjool dates, sugared ginger pieces, and crisps. As I concluded my last loop, I heated up a big bowl of butternut squash and chill soup, providing a comforting conclusion to the physical exertion as well as being continuously cold and wet throughout the event.

Loch Ness 24: Achievements

While not on the course, my role shifted to that of an enthusiastic supporter. I cheered on fellow participants and supported the solo runners, which included passing on letters written by loved ones to popping blisters and bandaging feet! The things we do! I know that one day I will depend on this level of support, and it felt right to be there and experience that side of ultramarathons.

The night-time intermission granted us all a chance to rest before the next day. In the morning light, a sense of fulfilment lingered, and I decided not to undertake more loops. Yet, witnessing others within the larger group set new personal records, transforming from half-marathoners to conquering 7 loops (30 miles), filled me with inspiration. As the rain continued its drizzle, I found myself reflecting on the prospect of returning to Loch Ness 24 for a solo endeavour, a notion that now held a spark of undeniable allure.

The collective enthusiasm spurred us all on to start the packing process early due to the returning rain and the progressively challenging task of extracting cars from the increasingly muddy field. But before bidding our farewells, we held a personal award ceremony, each accolade reflecting the unique spirit of our shared endeavour. From the “Hyper-Nessie Award” for boundless enthusiasm to the “Wetter than the Loch Award” for the most sweat-soaked, our makeshift awards encapsulated the essence of our journey.

Loch Ness 24 in Conclusion

The weekend distilled into an invigorating experience, one that left a profound impact. The atmosphere, the banter, the challenges, and the triumphs collectively etched a memorable chapter. A weekend of camping in wet miserable conditions, running through mud, treacherous slippy roots, and along a pebble beach, doesn’t sound so appealing. But I tell you what, being surrounded by so many incredibly inspiring people, being elevated by so many laughs as well as the struggles, it was a weekend I will treasure forever.

Loch Ness 24…will I see you again – solo?

Ultramarathons Raced so far!