A Lochaber man who took up running to lose weight is organising a marathon next year to ensure the Outdoor Capital of the UK is not left without one.
Chris Millard said he decided to start a Fort William Marathon after learning that this year’s Lochaber Marathon – which has been held for more than 30 years – would be the last.
The new event is to be held on July 26 next year.
Mr Millard, of Roybridge, said he started running about three years ago to help him lose weight and took part in the Lochaber Marathon for the first time last year.
The 45-year-old said: “I’ve lost about six stone through a change in lifestyle and running.
“The Lochaber Marathon was the first marathon I’d run and I found it difficult, not only because it was my first, but also because of the route.
“It was a long straight route along the A830 so there wasn’t enough to take your mind off it if you were having a bad run.
“When I heard it was going to close, I didn’t want to lose our marathon so I decided to organise one myself and to do it a bit differently.”
He said he chose to name it after Fort William rather than Lochaber because more people know the name of the town, and he moved it from April to July so it would not be so close to the London Marathon.
Schools in both Scotland and England will also be on holiday, giving more people the opportunity to take part.
Mr Millard, who has now run five marathons, said the route for the new event would take in more of the sights of the area, including Ben Nevis, Nevis Range, Leanachan Forest, The Commando Memorial, General Wade’s High Bridge, The Caledonian Canal and Neptune’s Staircase.
He said: “This area markets itself as the Outdoor Capital of the UK.
“It has an awful lot to offer and this seemed a good opportunity for people to see the area in another way.”
He added that, if next year’s event goes well, he is hoping to expand it into a weekend of races, including a half marathon and shorter events so more people will be able to get involved.
Entries are now open for the Fort William Marathon 2015.
Anyone who wants to take part should register at www.fortwilliammarathon.co.uk.