Caledonian Concepts was set up in 2004 by Malcolm and Caroline Sutherland to stage mass participation sporting events in the Highlands. Their event portfolio includes the iconic Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running which attract runners from around the world, the Etape Loch Ness, Scotland’s largest closed road cycle sportive and the Inverness Half Marathon, a popular early season race.
Co-Owners and Directors, Malcolm and Caroline, are involved in all aspects of event delivery – from the operations and logistics to marketing, communications and sponsorship. We managed to find time in their busy schedule for a catch up and this is what they had to tell us about Caledonian Concepts:
Runners and cyclists come from all over the UK and the world to take part in our events, many returning year after year. Collectively our events have raised millions of pounds for hundreds of different charities across the Highlands, Scotland and the UK and they have a significant impact on the local economy.
We are a small core team however, we work with a massive crew of amazing volunteers to deliver our events. We all take huge satisfaction seeing participants of all ages and abilities achieving their personal goals at our events.
Caledonain Concepts was going from strength to strength, even winning the Best Marathon at the 2019 Running Awards, and then covid struck meaning all of our 2020 and early 2021 events had to be cancelled. Fortunately, in August 2021 we were able to stage the Etape Loch Ness, which was the first event of its kind to be staged in Scotland since Covid. This was closely followed by the return of the Loch Ness Marathon in October. Although there were still restrictions in place, it was brilliant to see everyone back running and cycling around Loch Ness and in Inverness, the atmosphere and buzz was incredible.
2022 marks the 20th anniversary of the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon, it’s been an amazing journey over the last 20 years with so many inspirational runners taking part and dedicated volunteers helping behind the scenes. We are very grateful to Baxters Food Group who have supported the event as title sponsor since the very first marathon in 2002 when 860 runners lined up on the start line. It is now one of the most popular marathons and on the bucket list for many runners around the world.
The Corporate Challenge is open to both the public and private sector and is for teams of four to six runners. The fastest four times within the team combine towards the overall time, so there is an incentive for workmates to train together and motivate each other along the route.
After over two years of working from home, the 10K Corporate Challenge is a great team building and bonding opportunity and we look forward to welcoming teams from across the north of Scotland.
There is still time to grab your spot on the start line of the 20th Baxters Loch Ness Marathon or the Corporate Challenge! Taking place on 2 October you can also sign up for the River Ness 10K, 5K or Wee Nessie here.
Over the next 12 months, we plan to continue to rebuild after the pandemic and inspire and engage with more runners and cyclists, from the local area, throughout the UK and overseas, to take part in our events.
The services we value most from being a member of Inverness Chamber is the business support available and the networking opportunities.
