I'm pleased to announce the all new Fort William Marathon. The first event will be in July 2015. This marathon has been created to fill the gap left by the Lochaber Marathon which sadly ended this year after 31 years.
The Fort William Marathon will be run along a completely new route which will take in more of the sights of the area, including Ben Nevis, Nevis Range, Leanachan Forest, The Commando Memorial, General Wade's High Bridge, The Caledonian Canal and Neptune's Staircase.
Registration isn't yet open, but the race will be limited in numbers because part of the route takes in the Great Glen Way.
Please feel free to take a look at the website - http://www.fortwilliammarathon.co.uk and if you have any questions or comments, please join us on the usual social media sites.
Comments
Looks a good route!! Have done the Lochaber Marathon before and was disappointed it was cancelled!! Great news!!
Brilliant news! (Although it looks a tad more "lumpy" than the old route )
There's the odd 'mole hill' here and there
Chris - I take it that it's an off road marathon?
Sad news about Lochaber, last time I entered the volcanic ash cloud meant I couldn't get there but it was on my list to do again.
...waves at Nessie
It's a multi-terrain marathon.
About a 3rd is trail, the rest is on a mixture of tarmac (pavement) and rough path (the canal towpath for example has gravel in some parts, nothing in other). None of it is on water though unless you fall in - which I'd prefer if you didn't do
Sounds like my marathon is planned for next year then!!
I did Lochaber for the first (and it would seem last) time this year, conditions were horrendous but made it more interesting and sad I won't be able to do it again.
Chris, a quick look at the race profile makes it look quite similar to Loch Ness - do you have the incline/decline? Not quite a Spring Marathon but will give me an extra couple of months to get fit lol.
Hi Shades!
Are you coming up to Loch Ness this year?
Hi Nessie - no won't be at Loch Ness this year but probably will be there next year.
Chris - thanks for the info on the terrain. Unfortunately not for me, I only race on the road.
Ecce:-
Start elevation - 356ft
End elevation - 683ft
Gain - 1420ft
HTH.
Thanks Chris
Well, I'm in, was swayed by the VIP 'early entry'
I also got me an 'in training' tech tee and think it's a great idea as non of us (really) have enough tee shirts lol.
I struggled to get the entry website to call me anything other thatn "unknown unknown", but I think I'm in!
Hope the midgies aren't too lively!
Midges will probs be in full flow in late July and running along the canal will probs be even worse!
I heard RW are running and reviewing the race.
Midgies can't fly at more than 5mph, so as long as you keep moving, it'll be fine- pity the poor marshalls!
What are RW going to do?- doesn't sound like a race for pacers.
RW are having someone run the race and do a write up on it.
I'm tempted - am looking for a challenge next year! One query for Chris - the start is a few miles from Fort William centre (ie hotels). Would consideration be given to organising a coach from, say, Fort William train station? I would imagine a few runners will be trying to get to the start, and a pre-booked/paid coach would sway me as I can book a central hotel without worrying about taxis.
Looking forward to this, Chris! BOSH!!
Registrations are open until 31st May 2015, and there are less than 75 places left!
Ah- I'd "boinged" the other thread, as it had gone quiet- but I see this one is still active.
Starting to train for this now, after last week's Fling- the hills/ terrain shouldn't be too much of a worry, but running at marathon pace will be scary after all the slow trundling of the last few weeks.
Good luck with your training. I'm getting excited for this now - looking forward to meeting everyone.
I can't seem to get any info on the official site www.fortwilliammarathon.co.uk as it says the site is using an unsupported protocol. Not receiving any emails either. Is it just my dinosaur computer or is anyone else getting this problem too?
Hi Paul - you need to go to https://www.fortwilliammarathon.co.uk (not http - we've not had any problems receiving emails either. As the race director, how can I help?
hi Chris, this doesn't open on my computer either. I'd just like a copy of the profile, start time, registration opening time and is it number collect on the day. Is there ample parking at the centre/start line? Oh, and road or trail shoes? kind regards
Paul
Hi Paul, final instructions are going out by email this evening. This will contain all of the information, but I'll add it here too.
Registration opens at 7:30am on Sunday morning at Nevis Range. Here you will collect your race number, shoe timing chip etc. There is free parking at Nevis Range, so you should be OK there.
As for shoes, whatever you feel most comfortable in. The majority of off-road is track with just over a mile of 'proper' trail.
Thanks
Chris
Thanks Chris- that's helpful to know-......It looks like there are a few 7% hills, but nothing steeper than that, so if it's not too rough underfoot, I'm hoping it's reasonably runnable.
Looking forwards to it!
Got the email. Cheers Chris. Feeling more relaxed (or anxious) now Can't wait
Great (that you got the email that is!)
Cheers Chris, good fun. Hopefully managed to thank all the marshals on the way round. Thanks also to all those behind the scenes.
Another one to say thanks for organising a great race- tough, but fun. The whisky in the goody bag might not last long!