It has to be autumn because once again its Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running weekend. Since it was first held back in 2002 it has always been on the last Sunday in September/1st Sunday on October and with the exception of in 2006 when it poured with rain for much of the day, the weather has always been great on the day making the run an even better experience for participants - if that is possible, because it is in short, a fantastic marathon held on possibly the most scenic route in the UK. I should know, I ran it 6 years on the trot between 2003 -2009 and would still be doing it this year if my knees weren't getting a bit dodgy pounding roads ( these days I stick to the trails when I can and did my first ultra marathon this year!) Those who do it on Sunday will have thier own reasons for doing it  and memories to last many a year but my own favourites? I remember in 2006 as I approached a 'tunnel' of spectators at Dores, someone calling my name and shouting 'Come on Graeme, for the name of South Loch Ness'.. In 2008 when I recorded my best time of 3hr 54 and was 'flying' I remember going up the Dores Hill without too much pain thinking if I can do this after 17 miles there is no stopping what I can do. And back in 2003, huge emotion after crossing the line - not only because I ran to raise funds for Motor Neurone disease in memory of my mother but because 18 months before I had had a serious climbing accident which was the catalyst for me starting to run.
 But,, I have to be part of the weekend.. so am running once again the 10km which is also a great course, fast and flat its a good opportunity for those who, like me, constantly seek a PB..