Hollywood’s celebrity ‘monsters’ Mike Myers, Billy Crystal and John Goodman are being invited to get together – at the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon.
Stars of dinosaur sequel Jurassic World, the must-see summer movie which opens this weekend, have also been asked to the home of the Loch Ness Monster.
The appeal for ‘monsters’ to head to the Highlands is being made by organisers of the Loch Ness Marathon.
With places still available for the annual challenge on September 27, invites have been extended to big screen names with monster connections to come along and savour the day.
These include Mike Myers, the voice behind mighty green ogre Shrek, and John Goodman and Billy Crystal, the voices of wisecracking monsters Sully and Mike from Monsters, Inc.
Hollywood director Steven Spielberg, synonymous with box office blockbusters Jurassic Park, Jaws and ET, is welcome.
So too are Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard who star in the long-awaited dino-sequel Jurassic World. As a plesiosaur, the large marine reptile that is believed to be Nessie shares pre-historic roots with dinosaurs.
Alan ‘Howling Laud’ Hope, leader of the UK Official Monster Raving Loony Party, which fielded 16 candidates in May’s General Elections, would also be warmly greeted in the Highlands.
Race director Malcolm Sutherland says: “Whether they choose to run in the race, or simply be part of the crowds cheering along the runners, there will be a warm Highland welcome guaranteed to anyone that is part of the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon 2015.
“Monsters play an important part of the area’s folklore and history. The legend and mystery of Nessie, along with the breath-taking scenery of Loch Ness, is one of the main reasons why people enter the event and travel from all over the world to take part.”
Around 9,000 runners are expected to take part in the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running which comprises the marathon, River Ness 10K, 10k Corporate Challenge and River Ness 5K as well the Wee Nessie fun run for pre-school children.
There’s still time to enter by visiting the website www.lochnessmarathon.com
Guaranteed places are available for the marathon until 1 July, with charity, club and overseas places available thereafter. Entry for the 10K, 10K Corporate Challenge, 5K and Wee Nessie are now open until 7 September.
For updates visit Facebook at facebook.com/lochnessmarathon and Twitter @nessmarathon