Etape Loch Ness, which identifies as the UK’s largest sportive, has officially sold out its 2026 edition. The 12th edition of the closed-road cycling event will take place in the Scottish Highlands on April 26, 2026.
The 66-mile (106km) route circles the world-renowned Loch Ness, starting and finishing in Inverness. The course includes 900m of elevation and features the King and Queen of the Mountain climb – a 4.8-mile ascent beginning at Fort Augustus with gradients reaching 12%.
Back in 2024, London Marathon Events (LME) acquired Caledonian Concepts and Loch Ness Marathon, the organisers of the Loch Ness Marathon, Etape Loch Ness, Inverness Half Marathon and other events in Inverness and the Loch Ness area. This added the first major mass participation events in Scotland to LME’s portfolio.
This year, in a significant milestone for the cycling event’s charity partnership, more than 1,000 cyclists will be participating on behalf of Macmillan Cancer Support. The 2026 Etape Loch Ness edition marks 12 years of collaboration between the event and the charity. Since 2014, participants have raised £2.62 million to support people living with cancer across the UK.
Malcolm Sutherland, Managing Director of Caledonian Concepts, the organiser of Etape Loch Ness, said “The continued demand for Etape Loch Ness is incredible to see. To have the event sell out once again, and to welcome over 1,000 Macmillan riders, shows just how special this sportive has become. The combination of a world-class route, the unique Highland setting, and the opportunity to ride for such an important cause continues to attract cyclists from across the UK and around the world.”
The organisers note that 2026 is expected to be the largest edition to date, with record participation levels contributing to the local Highland economy. The event continues to attract a diverse field ranging from first-time riders to international experienced cyclists.
