It proved another monster success by the shores of Loch Ness.

With all the colour of the truly international event the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running has become, the local event attracted a diverse field of 8,600 runners from 45 countries.

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There was agony and ecstasy, smiles and grimaces for those tough enough to take on the marathon, 10k, 5k and Wee Nessie race.

But with big, noisy crowds to lift the runners and welcome them home there was far more fun and fulfilment than sense of failure in evidence during the event’s 21st year.

We sent our photographer James Mackenzie out and about to capture the atmosphere and excitement.

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