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Loch Ness events bought by London Marathon firm

Loch Ness Marathon Runners smile for the photographer as they run down a rain-soaked road on the shores of Loch Ness. They have their entry numbers pinned to the front of their tops.Loch Ness Marathon
Runners have been taking part in the Loch Ness marathon for more than 20 years

Organisers of the London Marathon have taken over the companies behind the Loch Ness Marathon and Etape Loch Ness cycling event.

London Marathon Events (LME) has acquired Caledonian Concepts and Loch Ness Marathon Ltd for an undisclosed fee.

The Loch Ness Marathon was started more than 20 years ago and almost 10,000 people took part in the festival's events this year.

More than 5,600 cyclists took part in the 10th anniversary etape in April. The race follows a 66-mile course around the loch.

LME said the purchase involved the first major mass participation Scottish events to be added to its portfolio.

Both companies were founded by Malcolm and Caroline Sutherland in 2006.

They will continue to lead their Loch Ness marathon and etape team with support from LME.

Mr Sutherland said "We are extremely proud of what we have created in the Loch Ness Marathon, Etape Loch Ness and Inverness Half Marathon over the past 18 years.

"This acquisition is evidence of how incredible the events have become, and this is thanks to the hard work and passion of our fantastic team and volunteers, our sponsors, charity partners and stakeholders including the Highland Council, and the Highland community who welcome and cheer on participants from around the world every year."

Loch Ness Etape A piper wearing a kilt and Tam o' Shanter hat plays the bagpipes as cyclists ride past on a mountain road.Loch Ness Etape
The etape marked its 10th year in April

LME chief executive Hugh Brasher said Caledonian Concepts and Loch Ness Marathon Ltd shared his company's passion for activities that can transform people's lives.

He added: "Malcolm, Caroline and their team have developed a fantastic series of events in a beautiful setting that support a network of charities both in Scotland and across the UK.

"They work closely with the local community to produce events that have a unique feel and relationship to local businesses and the area. We pledge to continue their work and build on all they have done."