PICTURES: Inaugural Loch Ness Challenge hailed a 'monster success' by organisers

Organisers of the inaugural Loch Ness Challenge have said it was a monster success.

It included the Marathon Challenge – three marathons Following the Loch Ness 360° trail over the course of three days – an Ultra Marathon Challenge, which covered the three marathons with a time limit of 24 hours on Saturday and the Bike Challenge on Sunday.

The event was created by Visit Inverness Loch Ness (VILN) and chief executive Michael Golding said: “What a fantastic weekend at Loch Ness.

“Well done to everyone who took part in the challenges – they certainly weren’t for the faint-hearted."

“Following two years of delays, it was a proud moment seeing locals and visitors cheering on participants as they took to the beautiful Loch Ness 360."

Craig Cunningham, from sponsor SSE Renewables, said: “We are really proud to have been part of such a brilliant event, especially as it aims to support the communities in which we operate some of our wind farms and hydro power stations.

"It was a real honour for me to join with so many other members of the SSE Renewables team to take part in this event, and it’s also been great that so many of our team volunteered to support the first Loch Ness Challenge. A massive congratulations to you all.”

Compère for the event, Willie Cameron, business development director at Cobbs Group and sometimes dubbed 'Mr Loch Ness', added: “What a monster success for the first Loch Ness Challenge and a great way to experience the beauty of Loch Ness.

"The atmosphere and support for the competitors was phenomenal, and I’m delighted to see endurance events like this bringing people to the area. It shows that we really do offer something for everyone here.”

• To find out more about next year’s Loch Ness Challenge visit Loch Ness 360.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.