Run In Edinburgh - Its ‘relay’ Good Fun

By Author: Ania
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Edinburgh is a special city, the much praised ‘Athens of the North’. Late May, the Edinburgh Marathon Festival (EMF) in association with Oxfam rolls into town bringing with it a hint of summer to come with a series of events that will this year involve 30,000 plus people.

On Sunday, 22nd May the Edinburgh Marathon Festival sees the focus move from its Saturday events to the east with three big events - the ‘Hairy Haggis’ Team Relay, the Half Marathon and the daddy, the grand old super-fast Edinburgh Marathon. The Half Marathon runs along the same course as the marathon (just not as far!) so it captures the big race excitement of the Edinburgh Marathon.

The EMF Half marathon uk starts at 8.00 am from Regent Road, whereas, Edinburgh Marathon has two starts one at 9.50 am from London Road and the other one at 10.00 am Regent Road. The course used for the events is very similar to the one used in previous years, however there is a small change at the finish. This year runners will cross the finish line on Linkiefield Road, just opposite from the Musselburgh ...
... Racecourse. All water stations are stocked with 250ml bottles of Strathmore Spring mineral water, whereas the energy stations supply runners with 330ml bottles of Lucozade Sport.

After runners cross the finish line, they are directed to a ‘Runners only’ area where they receive their well deserved finishers’ medal, commemorative ASICS t-shirt , Strathmore Water, Lucozade Sport, Race Recovery Pack and medical help if required. Spectators will not feel left out either! While waiting for their runners in the ‘Reunion Area’, where they can watch the race finish on the Jumbo Screen, get picture taken by the Marathon Photo team, check merchandise and Charity Village, enjoy the food, live Entertainment as well as sample Edinburgh Marathon Festival Ale in the Beer Tent.

The 2008 May edition of Runner's World magazine carried out an extensive research into which of the 10 most popular marathons were the fastest for the UK runners. Because a single comparison (like average time) could skew the results, Runner’s World used 200 different comparisons to establish which one was the fastest marathon. The Edinburgh Marathon came out as the fastest marathon in the UK, with its course elevation drop of almost 40 metres. What’s more, the event was also rated as the best race of any distance in Scotland in the February edition of Runner’s World magazine. The above just goes to prove yet again that the route is a must for anyone seeking a PB, both for marathon and half marathon distance in the UK.

For more information on Half marathon uk, Marathon and UK Marathon 2011 please visit http://www.edinburgh-marathon.com/