LoginFAQ
Looking for an answer to your question, you are in the right place! A list of the most frequently asked questions runners ask is shown below.
Scroll down to find your race and click on an question to see the answer.
All Races FAQ
How do I know that my online entry worked?You will have received a confirmation email at the time of registering, if this did not happen please contact us or you can visit the My Events page to check your entry.
As stated on our Terms and Conditions of Entry, we do not operate a deferment system, so we regret it is not possible to defer your entry to another year.
If you are no longer able to participate, it is possible to transfer your place to another runner. You can do this by logging into your entry through My Events. Please note it is your responsibility to find a replacement runner and the transfer of place must be completed by 17 February 2025. Once the new runner has claimed the transfer and paid the full entry fee online, you will automatically be issued with a refund, minus the transfer fee.
Please see our terms and conditions of entry for further information.
We’re sorry but we do not operate a transfer system between races. If you are interested in taking part in another race you can still register online until midday on 3 March 2025 (or earlier if race capacity is reached), but you will have to pay the registration fee.
Please note: Never swap your race number with any other runner, as this could cause problems for our medical teams and results service. If race organisers become aware of anyone who swaps their race number they will be disqualified and reported to Scottish Athletics.
You are entitled to a refund within 14 days of entering (the cooling off period), after this time we are unable to give refunds. As stated in the terms and conditions of entry, we will deduct a £5.00 administration fee from all refunds.
Notice of withdrawal from the event must be communicated by emailing [email protected] stating clearly the desire to withdraw and putting the word WITHDRAWAL in the subject line of the email. Withdrawals will not be accepted by telephone. Participants can withdraw at any point prior to the race with no refund.
Active Network are the company who provide our registration system; the admin fee charged by them is non-refundable and is separate from your race entry fee.
We welcome all runners who wish to raise funds for charity. We would also love it if you chose to raise funds for one of our official charity partners. Alternatively you are welcome to run for a charity of your choice.
Whilst fundraising is not compulsory, we do ask that all runners consider raising money for one of our official charity partners. Small amounts make a big difference, and the monies raised by the Inverness Half Marathon & 5K will directly benefit thousands of lives across Scotland.
You should contact your chosen charity direct to discuss their fundraising requirements. Many charities and organisations will directly benefit from the funds raised by the Inverness Half Marathon & 5K.
Inverness is the gateway city to the Highlands with an international airport and it is well served by public transport. Please check out the Visit section on the website which lists details of flights, trains, buses and car hire companies serving Inverness.
There is a wide variety of accommodation to suit all budgets in Inverness although we recommend you book soon as it does get booked up in advance for race weekend.
To help you plan your trip, please visit Visit Inverness Loch Ness or the Visit section.
· It is anticipated the area around Inverness Sports Centre will be very busy on the morning of the event and traffic flow will be slow. We encourage you to allow plenty of time, park a distance away and walk to the Sports Centre or consider car sharing or walking/cycling where possible.
· Limited parking will be available at the Inverness Sports Centre and Highland Council car parks (parking charges apply). Please see parking map.
The final few miles through Inverness offer the best vantage points for spectators, and everyone is welcome to come to Inverness Sports Centre to welcome home all runners and enjoy the atmosphere.
There are a host of volunteer roles at the event. Please email [email protected] or visit the Volunteer page for more information.
Your official photos from the Inverness Half Marathon and 5K will be going LIVE from the moment you pass a MarathonPhotos Live photographer around the course. Share your race number with your friends and family and they can register here to be notified as soon as your first photos are available online. They can then see your progress throughout the event. They might even buy your photos and your video as a well-done gift before you’ve even crossed the finish line! Don’t forget to share your photos and video on social media and with friends & family so they can share your achievement. Find your photos here.
We are committed to making our events as sustainable as possible and to minimise the event’s environmental impact as we work towards a Zero Waste to Landfill event for the future however we do need your help. Read more here about some of the ways we are eliminating waste and reducing the environmental impact of the event this year.
Inverness Half Marathon FAQ
When do entries close?Early bird entry for the 2025 Inverness Half Marathon & 5K is open until 31 October 2025. Regular entry for the Half Marathon is open until midday on 3 March 2025, subject to race capacity.
We do not accept any race day entries for the Inverness Half Marathon although limited race day entries are available on race day for the 5K, subject to race capacity.
The Inverness Half Marathon is open to runners aged 17 and over on the day of the race.
Your entry fee includes a commemorative finisher’s medal, finisher’s technical t-shirt, event giveaway, electronic timing, downloadable finisher’s certificate (from marathon photos live), water stations along the route and at the finish.
Changes to your entry, for example club name or your address, can be made by logging into your Active account by 18 February 2024. This link is also included on your confirmation email. After this date, please tell us at Registration if you wish to make any changes.
We’re sorry but there are absolutely no race day entries for the Inverness Half Marathon due to the practicalities of planning for a fixed number of participants. There are limited race day entries for the 5K ONLY, subject to race capacity.
You will have received a confirmation email at the time of registering, if this did not happen please contact us or you can log-in to the My Events page to check your entry.
If you are no longer able to participate, it is possible to transfer your place to another runner. You can do this by logging into your entry through My Events. Please note it is your responsibility to find a replacement runner and the transfer of place must be completed by 17 February 2025. Once the new runner has claimed the transfer and paid the full entry fee online, you will automatically be issued with a refund, minus the transfer fee.
Please see our terms and conditions of entry for further information.
We’re sorry but we do not operate a transfer system between races. If you are interested in taking part in another race you can still register online until midday on 3 March 2025 (or earlier if race capacity is reached), but you will have to pay the registration fee.
Please note: Never swap your race number with any other runner, as this could cause problems for our medical teams and results service. If race organisers become aware of anyone who swaps their race number they will be disqualified and reported to Scottish Athletics.
We’re sorry but we can only accept entry and payments online.
The Inverness Half Marathon offers a limited number of free entries for elite runners who have achieved the standards specified here within the 24 months prior to the 2025 race.
If you have achieved these standards and are interested in taking part in the race, please email us stating your name, age, email address, club name and details of where and when you have achieved the standards, along with a link to power of 10.
Applications will be considered up to 3 March 2025, but only a limited number of places are available and these will be allocated on a first come basis.
Race numbers are allocated after the entry closing date, and will be posted on our website. You will receive an email advising you of this.
Half marathon runners are not required to attend pre-race registration as race packs (including race number with timing chip and baggage label) will be sent in late February/March.
5K runners should attend registration on Sunday 10.30-12.00 at Inverness Sports Centre to collect their race number.
There is no pre-race registration for the Inverness Half Marathon as all runners will be sent their race pack (including timing chip and baggage label) by post in advance.
· It is anticipated the area around Inverness Sports Centre will be very busy on the morning of the event and traffic flow will be slow. We encourage you to allow plenty of time, park a distance away and walk to the Sports Centre or consider car sharing or walking/cycling where possible.
· Limited parking will be available at the Inverness Sports Centre and Highland Council car parks (parking charges apply). See parking map here.
There are 4 water stations on the course located at 3, 6, 9 and 11.5 miles and water will also be available at the finish line.
We are committed to reducing the carbon footprint of the event wherever possible and our aim is to reduce the amount of single use plastic as well as minimise the amount of water that is wasted. All four water stations on the course will use paper cups instead of water bottles.
Yes, there are ascending mile markers along the Half Marathon route.
The Inverness Half Marathon is a running event and we welcome all runners to take part. Our aim is to support every runner, whatever their pace, from start to finish and provide the best possible experience.
The half marathon starts at 12.30 and the race cut-off time is 3hr 30min at 16.00. In the interests of safety and to minimise the disruption to the local community and residents, the course starts to re-open after 2hr 30min at 15.00. If you think that you will take longer than 2hr 30min, we ask you to use the pavement. Participants still on the course after the cut-off time continue at their own risk.
Yes, there are portable toilets located at the start line and on the course at 3 and 9 miles. There are also toilets available at the Inverness Sports Centre.
There are changing, shower and toilet facilities at the Sports Centre. Please remember that the general public will be using these facilities at the same time and you are asked to consider them whilst you are using them.
Massage will be available in the Sports Hall during Registration and post-race in return for a donation to our official charities.
The Half Marathon route has been accurately measured by a qualified Scottish Athletics route measurer.
In accordance with Scottish Athletics rules and for health and safety reasons you cannot participate in any of our races whilst listening to any personal music that will restrict your ability to hear the sounds around you on the day.
We do allow the use of earphones that use bone conduction technology, which allow the wearer to listen to music while still being aware of their surroundings.
We’re sorry but we do not have a wheelchair race within our Half Marathon due to safety and logistical reasons, however it is possible to enter the Inverness 5K as a wheelchair entrant.
For safety reasons, we do not allow runners to take buggies onto any sections of the Half Marathon route. Buggies are allowed in the 5K.
Unfortunately, for safety reasons we do not allow dogs to run with you in either of the races. Dogs are also not permitted within Inverness Sports Centre or the finish line at Queens Park Stadium.
For safety reasons, it is strictly forbidden for cyclists to cycle alongside runners in either of the races.
We welcome runners in fancy dress however we do reserve the right to prevent you from participating in any race if we consider that the fancy dress outfit may cause danger or risk of danger to you or other participants. We’re sorry but you can’t use roller skates, push a wheel barrow, pull a hand cart or use walking poles.
If you wish to retire at any point during the race, please approach one of our medical or marshal teams. First aiders will be located at every water station. Should runners not be allowed to continue for medical reasons or require medical treatment, Race HQ will be notified. For safety reasons, please do not leave the course without informing an event official or marshal.
We have teamed up with Marathon Photos Live, the leading event photography company in the world photographing over 700 mass participation events in over 35 countries. Every runner will find their photos and video within 24 to 48 hours after the event and can also download a FREE personalised Event Certificate.
Your official photos from the Inverness Half Marathon and 5K will be going LIVE from the moment you pass a MarathonPhotos Live photographer around the course. Share your race number with your friends and family and they can register here to be notified as soon as your first photos are available online. They can then see your progress throughout the event. They might even buy your photos and your video as a well-done gift before you’ve even crossed the finish line! Don’t forget to share your photos and video on social media and with friends & family so they can share your achievement.
Find your photos and certificate here.
Inverness 5K FAQ
How old must I be to compete?The Inverness 5K is open to all ages. All children aged 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult who should also enter the 5K.
Entries are open for the Inverness 5K until midday on 3 March 2025, subject to race capacity, with limited entries available on race day.
Entry fee includes finisher’s medal, event giveaway, downloadable finisher’s certificate (from marathon photos live) and water at the finish.
Changes to your entry, for example club name or your address, can be made by logging into your Active account by 18 February 2024. This link is also included on your confirmation email. After this date, please tell us at Registration if you wish to make any changes.
There will be a limited number of race day entries to the 5K available, subject to capacity. Please come along to registration in Inverness Leisure from 1030-1200 on Sunday to sign up.
If you are no longer able to participate, it is possible to transfer your place to another runner. You can do this by logging into your entry through My Events. Please note it is your responsibility to find a replacement runner and the transfer of place must be completed by 18 February 2024. Once the new runner has claimed the transfer and paid the full entry fee online, you will automatically be issued with a refund, minus the transfer fee.
Please see our terms and conditions of entry for further information.
We’re sorry but we do not operate a transfer system between races. If you are interested in taking part in another race you can still register online until midday on 4 March 2024 (or earlier if race capacity is reached), but you will have to pay the registration fee.
Please note: Never swap your race number with any other runner, as this could cause problems for our medical teams and results service. If race organisers become aware of anyone who swaps their race number they will be disqualified and reported to Scottish Athletics.
You will have received a confirmation email at the time of registering, if this did not happen please contact us or you can visit the My Events page to check your entry.
We’re sorry but we can only accept entry and payments online.
Race numbers are allocated for all races after the entry closing date, and will be posted on our website. You will receive an email advising you of this.
All 5K runners must collect their race number during pre-race registration between 10.30-12.00 on Sunday 10 March 2024 at Inverness Sports Centre, Bught Lane, Inverness IV3 5SS.
All 5K runners must collect their race number during pre-race registration between 10.30-12.00 on Sunday 10 March 2024 at Inverness Sports Centre, Bught Lane, Inverness IV3 5SS.
The Inverness 5K starts at 12.45 prompt on Sunday 10 March 2024 on Bught Road about 500 metres from the Sports Centre and parallel to the River Ness. All 5K runners will be asked to assemble in the 5K start holding area no later than 12.25.
· It is anticipated the area around Inverness Sports Centre will be very busy on the morning of the event and traffic flow will be slow. We encourage you to allow plenty of time, park a distance away and walk to the Sports Centre or consider car sharing or walking/cycling where possible.
· Limited parking will be available at the Inverness Sports Centre and Highland Council car parks (parking charges apply). Please see parking map.
We have teamed up with Marathon Photos Live, the leading event photography company in the world photographing over 700 mass participation events in over 35 countries. Every runner will find their photos and video within 24 to 48 hours after the event and can also download a FREE personalised Event Certificate. Find your photo here.
In accordance with Scottish Athletics rules and for health and safety reasons you cannot participate in any of our races whilst listening to any personal music that will restrict your ability to hear the sounds around you on the day.
We do allow the use of earphones that use bone conduction technology, which allow the wearer to listen to music while still being aware of their surroundings.
Yes, buggies are allowed on the 5K course, and you will be required to complete separate entries for yourself and your child. This is for safety reasons so that we have a record of everyone who is out on the course, and to allow us to provide medals and giveaways for everyone that takes part.
Standard wheelchairs which are assisted (pushed) are permitted in the 5K. If you are taking part as an assisted wheelchair entrant your assistant/pusher will be allocated a complimentary entry into the event. Please note for safety reasons assisted wheelchair participants will be asked to start towards the rear of the field. Please email info@invernesshalfmarathon.co.uk to let us know that you intend to take part in a wheelchair.
We’re sorry but for safety reasons we do not allow dogs to run with you in either of the races. Dogs are also not permitted within Inverness Sports Centre or the finish line at Queens Park Stadium.
All schools, youth clubs and disability groups are eligible to enter teams into the Inverness 5K and receive reduced entry fees. If you wish to enter a team, please email [email protected] for further information.
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