2026 Inverness Half Marathon is a record success

March 8, 2026

A record 5,100 runners took part in the 2026 Inverness Half Marathon & 5K on Sunday 8^th March. Participants of all ages and abilities took on the event – from seasoned half marathoners and charity fundraisers to local school children enjoying the 5K. The event took place on International Women’s Day and welcomed its highest number of female participants, accounting for 50 per cent of entries.

Hamish Hickey from Central AC was the first male across the finish line, completing the 13.1 miles in 01:05:06. Annabel Simpson from Fife AC took gold in the women’s field, finishing in 01:13:52. Both are now also Lindsays Scottish Half Marathon Champions.

The Lindsays Scottish Half Marathon Championships and North District Championships were hosted at the event for the fourth consecutive year. North District Champions 2026 are Robin Regan from Inverness Harriers AAC and Annabel Simpson from Fife AC, who lives in Shetland, finishing in 01:08:21 and 01:13:47 respectively.

Taking the win in the 5K were Ruairidh Stirling from Inverness Harriers AAC in a time of 00:15:32, and Millie Glass Park from Aberdeen AAC/Young Meldrum Runners in 00:17:15.

Selling out early, the event attracted participants from across the Highlands, Scotland, the UK and around the world, including Chilean couple, Daniel Contreras and Javiera Suarez, who took part in the 5K during their honeymoon in Inverness. A third (36 per cent) of all 5K entries were from Highland schools and sports clubs, and 46 per cent were aged under 18. Also among the half marathon participants was local football legend, former Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Ross County player, Ross Tokely, who was supporting one of the event’s official charities, The Archie Foundation.

Commenting on the event, Malcolm Sutherland, CEO of Caledonian Concepts, organiser of Inverness Half Marathon, said: “What a fantastic day – full of excitement, PBs and sunshine!

“Taking place on International Women’s Day, it was great to see increased participation and strong performances in the women’s field. It is always inspiring to see people of all abilities taking part in the event together, as well as the younger generation and school and youth clubs taking part in the 5K. The event wouldn’t be what it is without our amazing volunteers and the communities along the route so a massive thank you to you all.

Mike Johnston, Convenor of the scottishathletics Road Running and Cross Country Commission, said: “We were delighted to stage the Lindsays Scottish Half Marathon Champs and North District Half Marathon Champs in the Highlands.

“Runners enjoy racing in Inverness and that was reflected both in the mass entry and at the front of the race with clubs represented in the chase for individual and for team medals.

“Well done to everyone who raced and the volunteers who turned out to make the event happen smoothly.

“Thanks also to Lindsays for its support for our Scottish Road Race Champs with this being the first of that new sponsorship agreement.”

The event will raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity, including official charities: Alzheimer Scotland, Highland Hospice, Mikeysline, SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health) and The Archie Foundation.

Provost of Inverness and Area, Councillor Glynis Campbell-Sinclair, who presented the awards at the event, added: “Congratulations to everyone on another successful Inverness Half Marathon & 5K! The atmosphere this weekend has been fantastic, and it’s been a pleasure to be part of the day. Well done, all!”

The 2027 Inverness Half Marathon and 5K will take place on 14^th March 2027 and you can register interest for early bird entry at www.invernesshalfmarathon.co.uk.