A Perth man who has run in every Loch Ness marathon since it began has signed up to his 15th race.
Kenneth Stewart first limbered up for the event, which is sponsored by Baxters, in 2001 and donned his kilt annually to take part.
The 65-year-old Perth Road Runners members signed up for this year’s race, which takes place on Sunday, September 25, as soon as entries opened, just as he has done for the past 14 years.
“Loch Ness is something completely different, and I think if you are looking for a marathon that typifies Scotland, then this is it,” said Kenneth.
“At the start of the race, when the pipe band is playing, it’s almost like a scene out of Braveheart seeing people coming out of the heather to muster.
“The views are the envy of any race organiser, plus a downhill start and flat finish make it a personal best course – and of course the Baxters food marquee at the end is a great incentive, with plenty of hearty fayre.”
Kenneth will be part of a trio of runners who have notched up the incredible achievement of taking part in all 15 races.
Lucy Mackay, 51, from Glasgow and 54-year-old Fiona Rennie from Dunfermline are also set to complete 15 in a row – and by the time they cross the finish line this year they will have clocked up a combined 1,179 miles on the course.
Race director Malcolm Sutherland is full of praise for the dedication shown by the three stalwarts.
He said: “They are fantastic ambassadors for the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon, and I cannot imagine holding the event without them.
“Fiona, Lucy and Kenneth are unique because they have taken part in every marathon since it started, but there are many more runners who have run the course on multiple occasions.
“It has become known as a bucket list marathon – it is one that many runners want to tick off their list. But what they often find is that once is never enough: the sheer beauty of the course and the incredible atmosphere keeps them coming back time and time again.”