INSPIRING RUNNING a’togail misneachd ann


Each year, thousands of competitors from across the world take part in the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running. We speak to runners preparing for this year’s events and find out why Loch Ness is such an attractive event on the international stage.


LINDA VIVIAN CLEMENTS Marathon runner from Zululand, South Africa.


n A little bit about you? I’ve recently turned 63 and in doing so entered my 30th year of running.


n What is running in South Africa like? I live on the North Coast of South Africa, where the weather tends to be very warm and humid. Because of this, a group of us get up very early (around 4:45am) two or three times a week so we can carry out our training in slightly more tolerable conditions.


n What made you consider the Loch Ness Marathon? I visited Scotland a few years ago and have wanted to return ever since. When I discovered that there was a marathon at Loch Ness I knew it was the only place I wanted to go to run my first Scottish race.


n Is this your first marathon? I have taken part in a few European marathons, but heading to the Scottish Highlands will be a new experience for me.


n Have you read up on the route? I have a Scottish friend who kindly sent me a map


and told me it is a rewarding race. As it’s quite undulating, I have been doing a lot of hill training over the last few months.


n How are you preparing for the Scottish climate? Emmm… should I prepare? I have heard the weather is pretty good in September for running!


n What time are you aiming for? If I push myself I hope to finish in 4:30. I’ve been told there is fantastic support throughout the route, so I’m quite confident that I can achieve my goal.


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