Two new running events are to be launched in Lochaber next year – the Fort William Runduro and the Marathon de Ben Nevis.
The Runduro on February 21 is billed as “a new creative multi-stage running event taking in some of the area’s most popular running routes”.
And the Marathon de Ben Nevis on September 19 is described as the “ultimate mountain running event for endurance athletes and people with a sense of adventure”.
Both are being organised by Fort William-based No Fuss Events.
Frazer Coupland, who is a partner in the company, explained that the Runduro would be the first running event of its kind in Scotland.
It borrows the format from Enduro mountain biking, with the 13.6-mile looped course being split into 16 sections – eight race stages and eight transitions.
Mr Coupland said: “Enduro racing is the best. We have seen its popularity grow in the mountain biking industry and believe that runners will enjoy it too.
“The thing about the Runduro is that there are many races within the race.
“You might not be the fastest runner in your group of friends, but you could win a stage or two for bragging rights.
“With eight very different stages, everyone has a chance to be a winner.”
The Marathon de Ben Nevis is aimed at ultra runners and involves a 42.3-mile circumnavigation following the same route as the Tour de Ben Nevis mountain bike race.
However, Mr Coupland said they considered it to be more of an event than a race.
He said: “It is about enjoying and experiencing our wonderful environment and finding out about yourself.
“It is an opportunity to travel through some of the most rugged and isolated areas that the Outdoor Capital has to offer.”
He added that the course was undulating and varied, with river and stream crossings, sustained climbs, long descents and “soul searching splendid isolation”.