Scottish events companies acquired by London Marathon Events

LONDON Marathon Events (LME) has acquired major mass participation events in Scotland’s Inverness and Loch Ness areas.

LME has added to its ranks Caledonian Concepts and Loch Ness Marathon Ltd, the organisers of the Loch Ness Marathon, Etape Loch Ness, Inverness Half Marathon, and other events in Inverness and Loch Ness.

Both companies were founded by Malcolm and Caroline Sutherland in 2006 and in 2024 more than 19,880 participants took part in the three events, raising an estimated £1m for charities across the Highlands, Scotland, and the UK.

Since its inception, the Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running has raised more than £14.5m for charities.

Malcolm and Caroline will continue to lead their existing team with local volunteers to deliver the Loch Ness portfolio of events, supported by the expertise of LME.

Malcolm Sutherland, CEO of Caledonian Concepts and Loch Ness Marathon Ltd, 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.

“Our events are unique and that will not change. Our team will continue to work hard to deliver iconic events in our beautiful region, all while raising vital funds for numerous charities.

“What we have now, though, is the added energy and expertise of London Marathon Events, and we can’t wait for this next chapter.”

This is the latest acquisition in LME’s expansion program – over the past two years LME, which was founded in 1981, has acquired the Brighton Marathon weekend and the Bath Half Marathon.

LME has expanded into Wales through its partnership with Run 4 Wales and into trail running through its acquisition of a majority share of Maverick Events.

Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events, said: “Caledonian Concepts and Loch Ness Marathon Ltd share our passion to inspire people of all ages and abilities to become active and to use sport and activity to transform lives.

“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.”

In April 2024, LME set up Athletic Ventures, to transform the future and growth of athletics in the UK to deliver major athletics events, including the annual Diamond League meeting in London and the 2026 European Athletics Championships in Birmingham.

Hugh added: “This is a very exciting time for London Marathon Events, In April 2025 we celebrate the 45^th edition of the London Marathon which is the most popular marathon on the planet and has raised more than £1.3bn for charity.”