BAXTERS Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running participants raised the huge sum of £785,000 for charities through the 2010 event held on Sunday 3 October last year.
Big-hearted runners raised the cash for a wide range of charities on a local, national and international level, giving a funding boost to organisations including the five nominated charities for the event – Alzheimer Scotland, Breast Cancer Care, Highland Hospice, Macmillan Cancer Support and Marie Curie Cancer Care – and over 35 associated charities.
Bill King, chief executive officer of Baxters, said: “We are delighted to support Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running, and encouraged to see the amount of cash raised for charity grow every year. Thank you to everyone who gave time and effort to contribute towards the superb total raised.”
Malcolm Sutherland, race director of Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running, said: “We are delighted to know that as well as bringing enjoyment through the event itself, the Festival benefits many others through the generous donations to good causes by runners and their supporters.
“We would like to say a massive thank you to all the dedicated and determined runners who trained for the event and generously raised money for others at the same time.”
Valerie Weir, events manager at Alzheimer Scotland, said: “We’re grateful to everyone who pulls on their trainers to make every step count for people with dementia and their families across Scotland. Without them, we could not provide Dementia Advisors in local communities, Dementia Nurses in hospitals and our 24-hour, freephone Dementia Helpline.”
Says a spokesperson: “The popularity of the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon with runners across the country was highlighted recently when it was voted the fourth-best UK marathon and was in the top three most scenic running events in the UK by Runners World (February 2011).”
The runners taking part in the 2010 Festival and visiting the area with friends and supporters are estimated to have benefited the local economy by spending around £2,060,000 on food, accommodation and associated activities.
Paul Bush OBE, chief operating officer for EventScotland, said: “It’s fantastic to see that the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running has had such a positive impact on the local economy and benefited numerous charities through the generous donations of the runners and their supporters.
“With its picturesque backdrop and a host of new attractions, it’s no surprise that the 2010 event has been recognised as one of the top running events in the UK.
“Showcasing the very best of Scotland’s natural assets, it is a great example of why Scotland is the perfect stage for events”.
Entry is now open for the 2011 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon, River Ness 10K, 10K Corporate Challenge and 5K Fun Run taking place on Sunday 2 October.
Entry is guaranteed for all marathon runners until 1st May or sooner if race limit reached; charity and club runner places will be available after this date.
Visit www.lochnessmarathon.com now to book your place.
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Contact: Alison Bell
Phone: 07765 242686
Email: alison@smallcreek.co.uk
Website: http://www.smallcreek.co.uk
