SUPPLEMENT FROM SCOTTISH RUNNING GUIDE

edinburgh-marathon.com All images this page courtesy Lesley Martin

All In A Good Cause

Routes To Remember

My Big Day

Homeward Bound

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SPRING BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND

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to enter visit www.edinburgh-marathon.com

I Capture The Castle Taking part in 2014’s Edinburgh Marathon Festival is a great way to be active as a family. And with countless things to do and see in the capital, why not make a weekend of it?

image courtesy - Ken Aitchison

TAKING PLACE on the Spring Bank Holiday weekend, Edinburgh Marathon Festival presents an ideal opportunity for a family trip to the Scottish capital. It isn’t just the timing that is ideal, the festival includes a range of distances suited to runners of all abilities and ages. The first race on Saturday is the International Breakfast Run which starts at 8.00am, followed by the 10k and 5k events at 9.00 and 11:00am respectively. The kids have their chance to shine in the 3k at 12.30pm and the 1.5k at 1.30pm (The 1.5k is best suited to children aged 6-10 and the 3k to those aged 11-14). On Sunday, things really start to hot up with an early start for the half marathon (8.00am), before marathon runners set off from 9.50am onwards alongside those taking part in the 50

ever-popular Hairy Haggis Team Relay. As British cities go, you’ll struggle to find a more picturesque one to go running in than Edinburgh. From the medieval Old Town to the Georgian New Town, each part of Edinburgh is a feast for the eyes. Plus, how many cities have an extinct volcano in the centre? For a capital city Edinburgh is remarkably compact, making getting around relatively easy. And there’s loads for you to do ... No Hassle At The Castle The city’s centrepiece, Edinburgh Castle, stands out both visually and aurally (listen out for the 1 o’clock gun). So before or after your run why not take time to experience it . Another standout in the Edinburgh skyline is

the Scott Monument. The 200ft tower was built as a tribute to Walter Scott who penned classics such as Ivanhoe and Rob Roy. With free entry, it gives you a great view of the city, but be warned - it gets pretty narrow up at the top.

image courtesy - Ken Aitchison

Going Underground If you’re interested in Edinburgh’s past but worry the kids will find being trailed through a museum too dull, the Real Mary King’s Close offers an entertaining alternative. You are taken back to the 17th century in a tour of the close (actually a collection of closes) situated underneath the Royal Mile. You will meet various characters along the tour: the maid, Mary King’s daughter, the merchant, the poet and the foul clenger. Giving another glimpse into the less salubrious aspect of the city’s past is the Edinburgh Dungeons. It promises ‘an 80 minute journey through 1,000 years of Scotland‘s horrible history’ with 11 actor-led shows to enjoy. It is advised that the shows may not be suitable for younger children ‘or wimps’. Their words, not ours! Seal The Deal For aquatic adventures there’s Deep Sea World - Scotland’s national aquarium - located in North Queensferry, about 20 minutes drive from Edinburgh. There, you can feed various sea creatures including seals and piranha (probably best not to pet those). For the brave (or should that be foolish) among you, you can even take part in a shark dive … Pandamonium Since arriving from China in 2011, Edinburgh Zoo’s pandas have made quite an impact, but Yang Guang and Tian Tian aren’t the only black and white creatures worth seeing. The Penguin Parade at 2.15pm everyday attracts big crowds and there are also Grevy’s zebras in the African Plains exhibit. The zoo also features lions, tigers and bears (insert obligatory ‘oh my’ here). As one of Europe’s most visited cities (second in the UK only to London), Edinburgh is a mustsee for anyone. Best of all, it’s right on our doorstep. So why not combine your family’s trip to Auld Reekie (as it’s affectionately known) with a race at Edinburgh Marathon Festival!

image courtesy Lesley Martin

To enter one of the 8 Edinburgh Marathon Festival events go online to edinburgh-marathon.com 51

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She’s Coming Home After hearing the bagpipes at a race in Basel, Switzerland, Scot Nicola Spittal knew she had to make the trip home to Edinburgh Marathon Festival for another adventure, and what better year than 2014? beautiful miles in Edinburgh. Also, my fiancé and I have chosen Edinburgh as the location for our wedding, so it’s a great excuse to come home and do a bit of planning!

I’VE BEEN RUNNING FOR ...

I HAVE to admit that I didn’t run at all whilst living in Scotland, which is a real shame. I ran my first marathon in New York in 2011, and really enjoyed pushing my body to the limit.

to enter visit www.edinburgh-marathon.com RUNNING WITH MY SISTER IS ...

FANTASTIC, BUT unfortunately it’s very infrequent. Debbie has grit and determination, she’s the perfect running partner when you need a push and I really admire her self-discipline. We’ve run the Grand Prix a few times, but I’m hoping that we’ll get good times on Edinburgh Marathon’s fast flat course and that will be the start of more long distance running together.

ARE YOU BOTH COMPETITIVE?

WE’RE NOT competitive with each other, but we both set ourselves goals and work hard to achieve them. We’ll be running our own race in Edinburgh, but our target times are similar, so hopefully we’ll be in the same start block and set off together.

SUPPORT ON THE DAY?

MOST CERTAINLY! My fiancé will be coming from Switzerland, and I’m sure our family and friends based all over Scotland will be there to cheer us on.

THOUGHTS ON RUNNING IN THE SCOTTISH CAPITAL?

I ONCE ran a half marathon in Basel in 30 degrees, and heard the bagpipes playing. I was amazed at how emotional it made me feel. I imagine it will be the same as I hear the Scottish crowd cheering the runners on. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but there’s something special and exciting about running in Edinburgh.

WILL YOU MAKE IT A HOMECOMING WEEKEND?

I LOVE my family and friends, and as I don’t see them too often, we’ll be sure to meet up for some good food and a few beers to celebrate completing the marathon.

To enter one of the 8 Edinburgh Marathon Festival events go online to edinburgh-marathon.com

I LOVE RUNNING BECAUSE ...

I FIND running great to keep fit, de-stress, think and re-focus. I try to get out running at least three times a week, and I am now at a point where I get ‘itchy legs’ if I don’t go for a few days.

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOU

I AM Nicola Spittal, 28, from Newport-on-Tay in Fife. In 2007 I moved to Bern, the capital of Switzerland. I like to make the most of my spare time, and enjoy running, cooking, hiking, snowboarding and travelling. I’d love to explore the world by foot, and in October 2012 I hiked to Mount Everest base camp. For my next adventure I am coming to Edinburgh to run the marathon with my sister, Debbie.

WHY RUN AT EDINBURGH?

AFTER WATCHING this year’s London marathon coverage on TV, I decided I would like to run in my home country instead. My sister is also an avid runner, and I managed to convince her to join me in running the 26.2 52

TRAINING IN SWITZERLAND?

SWITZERLAND IS a runner’s paradise. The old town of Bern is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the River Aare runs through the city. The river originates from the Oberaar glacier in the Alps and is an eye-catching blue. There are running routes everywhere, and every year the city hosts the Grand Prix von Bern, a 10 mile running event which was won by Haile Gebrselassie this year.

Did you know that 70% of Edinburgh Marathon runners come from outwith Scotland! 53

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My Marathon Festival The Edinburgh Marathon Festival appeals to all sorts of runners. We spoke to some of 2013’s participants to find out what they loved about the weekend ...

THE HARDCORE RUNNER KENNETH HENNEY is a seasoned distance runner, who takes part in Edinburgh Marathon every year. In 2013, he decided to do something a bit different - enter all four EMF races! He told SCOTTISH RUNNING GUIDE how he achieved his goal. “Two years ago I did the marathon and also the 5k and realised it would be possible to do the 5k and 10k on the Saturday and the half marathon and marathon on the Sunday. I live in Dubai now but still come back every year for Edinburgh Marathon. I thought that, since I’m flying all the way from Dubai, I might as well make it worthwhile!” So, how did Kenny go about achieving his goal since he’d never done anything like it before? “I like setting myself targets and the older I get the more extreme the targets seem to get. I was already training for the Ironman Triathlon in Lanzarote so I realised that if I was in good enough shape to do that I just needed to be sensible in the six days afterwards and make sure I refuelled and rested properly for Edinburgh.” As all runners know, taking part in a race can takes its toll on your body and often it is a struggle to complete a race if you’re in pain or suffering from fatigue. Kenny has an interesting way of dealing with this. “I sort of have an out of body experience. I can’t switch it on or off but when I’m doing a race I usually manage to disengage from any pain I’m feeling. It’s almost like I’m watching myself running. I think of my body as a mechanical machine. I just need to make sure the machine is fuelled and it’ll keep going. It’s a bit hard to explain but that’s how I view it and that’s how I’ve managed to get through endurance events.” 54

On what advice he’d give to someone looking to achieve a PB, Kenny suggests being realistic rather than overly ambitious. “Don’t set your target too high. Make sure it’s achievable because if you don’t achieve your target it can become a negative. It’s important to sit down and examine your lifestyle. Look at your job and work out how to train around that. Don’t set up a training schedule first then see how it’ll fit in! That just doesn’t work.” Finally, will Kenny be aiming for a PB in 2014? “I’ll be competing at Edinburgh again though I think I’ll just stick to the one race. I would like to compete in all four races again though. Maybe in 2015. I think I can do it in under six hours, so I’ll be going for a four time PB then!”

to enter visit www.edinburgh-marathon.com

A FAMILY AFFAIR CHAMPIONSHIP MEDALS were the icing on the cake for sporty sisters Holly and Jenna Little at the 2013 Edinburgh Marathon Festival (EMF). The Glasgow girls were already enjoying a big weekend away with mum Tricia, dad Crawford and pet cocker spaniel Harley. Highlights - an overnight stay at the local Premier Inn, wandering along the Royal Mile up to the Castle and catching up with relatives based in Edinburgh. Holly (13) takes up the story: “It was a brilliant weekend. Staying over the night before meant that we all enjoyed a nice dinner and didn’t have to worry about an early start the next morning. Saturday was perfect. We had a big breakfast and then we were set for some sightseeing. Edinburgh is a beautiful city so it was lovely to wander round in the sunny weather. “We then headed to Holyrood Park in good time for the start to my race - the junior 3k. I saw lots of friendly faces from my club, Victoria Park City of Glasgow AC and some other people I knew. “There was a quite a big field of runners boys too - so I tried to make a fast start. I was up with the leaders and just kept going. I was really pleased to finish first in the girl’s race and felt very proud when I was given my winner’s medal.” Holly didn’t have much time to savour her moment of triumph because Jenna (9) was already on the start line for the 1.5k run. Again a big entry of both boys and girls were waiting for the ‘off’. Cheered on by Holly, their mum and dad and

an enthusiastic Harley, Jenna raced round the course in 5 minutes 58 seconds to complete a winning family double. Jenna told SCOTTISH RUNNING GUIDE: “Seeing Holly come first made me even more determined and I just ran as fast as I could. I also had some tablet made by friend Valencia’s gran which gave me extra energy.” Post-race both girls praised their EMF goody bag: “Great t-shirt, sweets and energy bars,” before heading to join their friends to climb Arthur’s Seat and enjoy a panoramic view of Holyrood Park. Later the Little girls caught up with their mum and dad for a family picnic and were treated to ice cream before an unsanctioned dip in the water fountain! Last word with mum Tricia: “It was a fantastic day. It was great that the girls did so well but you could see that dozens of families were having a brilliant time. Making a weekend of it meant that there was time to relax and enjoy the occasion. We’ll be back next year.” image courtesy Lesley Martin

Jenna (left) with tablet-sharing friend Valencia (right)

A delighted (if exhausted) Kenny after finishing all four races (image courtesy of Joey Kelly)

To enter one of the 8 Edinburgh Marathon Festival events go online to edinburgh-marathon.com 55

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My Marathon Festival THE GRAND KENYAN JAPHET KOECH’S journey to the 2013 Edinburgh Marathon is a remarkable one. Featuring in Adhanarand Finn’s best-selling novel Running with the Kenyans, Japhet became the author’s running partner during his stay in Iten in the Great Rift Valley. Finn, recognising his potential - Japhet had posted a 66 minute half marathon time at high altitude in Nairobi - set-up a Crowdfunder page with the hope of covering his flights to the Scottish capital. Eight days after setting up the fundraising site, over £1,500 was pledged and Japhet was offered a free place at Edinburgh Marathon on 26 May. EMF is always keen to attract runners of international status and to support runners like Japhet to be part of the big event. Despite some transport difficulties along the way, Japhet arrived in Edinburgh on the Friday before the race. Finn, who had accompanied Japhet from London, recalls: “We finally arrived in Edinburgh, after 12 hours in traffic, at 1

Japhet crossing the finishing line (courtesy Lesley Martin)

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o’clock in the morning. It was hardly the ideal preparation for the biggest race of his life. On race day, as ebullient as ever, he arrived at the start line saying he felt good, bouncing on his toes and looking sharp. As the race got underway he was soon in the mix, running with a group of five at the front.” Keeping up with the leading pack, Japhet managed to hold second place until 18 miles when the fatigue from a long-haul flight started to take hold. Driven by determination - and the vocal support of Finn - Japhet came fifth in 2:21:51, quite a feat considering his lpreparations. The coverage around Japhet’s journey to the event meant he received a hero’s welcome during his remaining time in the Scottish capital. Walking down the Royal Mile the day after the marathon, Japhet was stopped on several occasions by people touched by his story:”Japhet, we watched you run yesterday. You were amazing!” Even if his finishing time didn’t quite reach the qualifying standard for the Kenyan national team (set at a staggering 2:15), Japhet’s appearance at Edinburgh was one of experience and adventure which also showed the true strength of the running community. Finn vividly recalls his former training partner’s energy, even after the rigours of running 26.2 miles: “The next day he emerged as excited as ever, marvelling at everything he saw, and talking about how much he would be able to tell his friends back home and how excited they would be to hear his stories about Edinburgh.” To enter one of the 8 Edinburgh Marathon Festival events go online to edinburgh-marathon.com

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to enter visit www.edinburgh-marathon.com

My Marathon Festival YOU RELAY GOT ME

KIRSTY DUNCAN is a transplant co-ordinator at the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh. She led three teams of doctors, nurses and former patients who ran at EMF 2013 as well as taking part in the event herself. She told SCOTTISH RUNNING GUIDE about her experience as a relay runner. “I’ve taken part in the Hairy Haggis Team Relay five or six times now. Each time has been great but this year was particularly enjoyable as it was the first time my six-year-old daughter got to see me run at a race.” As someone who’s taken part in both relay races and individual events, does she feel any added pressure with being part of a team? “I don’t think so, it’s quite a positive experience. Obviously you’re aware of your teammates and your time but it just helps add to the excitement and it feels great to achieve something together. You do feel slightly guilty running alongside the marathon runners who are giving their all to complete the 26.2 miles and you’re only running a fraction of it.” Though despite this guilt, Kirsty is happy to lap up the plaudits in the Glory Leg of the race. “The Glory Leg is great as I think the support gets stronger throughout the course. As it’s the last leg, it involves running through East Lothian, which I really enjoy. The crowds are very enthusiastic and supportive. They’ll stand out in their gardens with hoses to cool you down. When you’re feeling tired it definitely helps perk you up. I’ve also done the first leg of the relay before which I really enjoyed as I used to live in that part of Edinburgh. The sections through Holyrood Park were particularly lovely.”

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Kirsty is quick to point out that the organisation at the race helps add to her enjoyment. “I think everyone involved does a terrific job. An event as big as EMF is logistically quite tricky, but it always goes incredibly smoothly.” On a personal note, Kirsty says that the experience of running with patients you’ve helped recover from debilitating conditions, is incredibly rewarding. “The teams I’ve run with have been a mix of doctors, nurses, and patients. It’s really great as they’re not simply patients, they’re people you spend a lot of time with and really they’re your friends. So it’s great to share that accomplishment together and it helps create a stronger bond between you.” Always looking ahead, Kirsty already has plans to compete at the 2014 event. “I’ll be there! I’m trying to get teams organised right now. I’d definitely recommend anyone who hasn’t run before to give it a go.” To enter the EMF Hairy Haggis Relay go online to edinburgh-marathon.com

Kirsty and her Hairy Haggis team

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THE FLAT, fast course at Edinburgh Marathon is one of its big attractions - but more than that, it is a scenic route with plenty to see over the 26.2 miles. Here’s what to expect ...

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FOR THOSE taking part in some of the other events that make up Edinburgh Marathon Festival weekend, here is a look at the routes of the half marathon, 10K and 5K ...

Officially Fast & Flat Meanwhile at Sunday’s bill-topper, you are guaranteed one of the flattest marathon courses in the world ... EDINBURGH MARATHON’s course is flat and fast and was rated as the fastest marathon in the UK by Runners World magazine. Running eastwards from the city centre to the finish in Musselburgh, it drops 40 metres in altitude on the way. The maximum allowable drop for an official International Association of Athletics Federation course is 42m (1m per

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A marathon PB could be yours for the taking (image Lesley Martin) kilometre) so it makes it a perfect choice for a runner completing a marathon for the first time or a marathon regular determined to set a personal best time. To enter one of the 8 Edinburgh Marathon Festival events go online to edinburgh-marathon.com

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to enter visit www.edinburgh-marathon.com

Running For The Cause You can make your Edinburgh Marathon Festival experience even more special by supporting a good cause. Charities like our Official Charity Macmillan Cancer Support or one of over 250 listed Affiliate Charities will welcome you with open arms. Over the next few pages we tell you more about some of the most popular good causes ... MACMILLAN CANCER Support is the Official along and are a bit shy at the beginning, end Charity of the Edinburgh Marathon Festival and up shouting, using our noise-makers and hopes to have hundreds of runners take part generally making lots of noise to encourage the in the marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5k and runners. junior run. The charity aims to raise a massive “We’ve had a lot of feedback from runners £600,000 from the event to help fund vital who tell us that at their lowest points, it was the services for the growing numbers of cancer Macmillan cheerers in the crowd who kept them patients and their families. going, so it’s a really valuable way to help MacFundraising manager for Edinburgh, Jayne millan and be part of a really amazing event.” Forbes, said: “Macmillan relies almost entirely On marathon day Macmillan also has a large on donations to fund our vital cancer services tent in Reunion Town where runners can meet so we want as many people as possible to join family and friends post-race, get a massage Team Macmillan and run in the Edinburgh and enjoy some light refreshments. For the Marathon Festival with us. past few years arriving runners “Whether you’re taking have been greeted by cheerpart in your very first 5k or leaders waving pom poms and running your 50th maragiving every runner a heroes thon, we’ll be with you every welcome as they’ve arrived at step of the way. We provide the tent. comprehensive training, The money raised from the nutrition and kit advice, as run will be used to fund Macmilwell as simple ideas to raise lan’s vital cancer services, from money. And the best bit is specialist nurses and doctors, to that as well as the huge help and advice for people who personal achievement, you have financial problems as a reknow you are helping us sult of their cancer. The charity make sure no one faces funds specialist medical profescancer alone.” sionals who work throughout Everyone who runs for the NHS in Scotland, as well Macmillan will also benefit as information and support from fantastic support on services based in hospitals and the day. Jayne added: “We communities. You will receive great support from want to ensure everyone Macmillan also funds a nurseMacmillan’s cheering squads! running for Macmillan has run support line that anyone with loads of support from the questions about cancer can call crowds and so we’ve set up on 0808 808 0000. our own cheering squads along the routes. For more information visit “Cheering is always really www.macmillan.org.uk/ good fun and we find even edinburghmarathon or call those people who come 020 7840 7878 66

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to enter visit www.edinburgh-marathon.com

Be Part Of A Great Team WHEN YOU run for Alzheimer Scotland you are not just running on your own, you are part of a truly committed team. From the moment you sign up, you start the supporter journey, bonding with dedicated charity staff and interacting with other Alzheimer Scotland runners. Being part of the Alzheimer Scotland team means you will have enthusiastic individuals who have the same passion to strive towards making sure no-one goes through dementia on their own. A great team honours its supporters and the

charity has helped past fundraisers achieve personal goals by being with them every step of the way. All runners receive breathable Alzheimer Scotland running top or vest; comprehensive fundraising pack; cheerers to support you along the route and a post-race goody bag including water and a chocolatey treat! It costs £10,000 a day to fund the charity’s four key areas dementia helpline, advisors; nurses and research and they would not be able to make a difference to people living with dementia without fundraisers like you. To find out more about guaranteed entry through Alzheimer Scotland and to get a full registration pack, contact the Events Team at [email protected] or call 0845 260 0789

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Keep On Running STAYING MOTIVATED is a tough challenge, whether it’s dragging yourself out of bed for those early morning training runs or hitting ‘the wall’ towards the end of a race. Having something to focus on is vital for any runner. Raising funds in memory of her dad Ian, who died very suddenly from a heart attack in April 2011, was Lisa Wallace’s motivation to get out there and run at a British Heart Foundation (BHF) Scotland event. “I don’t have a lot of free time to train, so I get up at 6am, three times a week, to do my training run with the dog. At the start I didn’t think I could run for a minute and now I’m regularly doing 30 or 40 minutes. Every time I’m out running I’m thinking about my dad.” Become a Heart Runner at the Edinburgh Marathon 2014 and they will be behind you all the way. You’ll get access to training plans, a running vest and the dedicated Heart Runners Support team on hand whenever you need some encouragement or just fancy a chat. Plus on the day they’ll be there to cheer you on.

Coronary heart disease is Scotland’s single biggest killer. The money you raise will fund pioneering research and help save lives - the perfect motivation to get out there and run. Join the fight: [email protected] 0844 477 1181 bhf.org.uk/edinburghmarathon

With You All The Way BY RUNNING in the Edinburgh Marathon Festival for Prostate Cancer UK you’ll be helping to fight for a better future for men. Every hour of every day one man dies from prostate cancer, that’s a strike rate of 10,000 men every year. Prostate Cancer UK believe men deserve better and need your help to achieve this. Run with the charity and they will support you every step of the way. From your initial training plan, through to congratulating you on the finish line, they’ll cheer you along and help make your experience special. Prostate Cancer UK runners receive: a welcome pack full of top training and fundraising tips; 70

regular newsletters to keep you up to date with the latest tips and information; a technical fibre running top, cheering squads positioned throughout the course and a post-race reception with complimentary massage Join their team today to help more men survive prostate cancer and enjoy a better quality of life. Get in touch with the Sporting Events Team on 0203 310 7035 or email: events@ prostatecanceruk.org www.prostatecanceruk.org/emf 71

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Feelgood Factor

EVERY 10 minutes another woman receives the terrifying news she has breast cancer. Over half a million women are living with the disease in the UK today. Karen MacDonald was diagnosed in 2010 after finding a lump on her breast. “I know personally the importance of Breast Cancer Care. I felt so isolated during my treatment and the charity helped me meet other people who understood how I felt, because they’d been through it. I can’t praise

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them enough for the support they provided. They were a lifesaver.” Amazingly Karen began fundraising for Breast Cancer Care while undergoing her treatment and only five days after her last chemotherapy session, Karen completed the Great Scottish Run 10k raising a fantastic £1,500. Karen has since completed many running challenges including Edinburgh Marathon in May 2013. She said: “The support I got as part of Team Breast Cancer Care was great and really helped me complete the challenge. Crossing that finish line was amazing, what a sense of achievement!” Visit www.edinburghmarathon.com to get your place today or call 0141 353 8337 or email edinburgh.marathon@ breastcancercare.org.uk for more information.

to enter visit www.edinburgh-marathon.com

King & Queen For The Day SARAH AND Danny Rutterford ran the Edinburgh Marathon 2013 for Maggie’s as a personal challenge because they’d never attempted anything like it before. Danny joked: “If you asked me a few years ago to sign up for a marathon, I’d probably have laughed in your face! I read that Edinburgh Marathon was voted ‘fastest marathon in the UK’ - and thought it must be easy! “Running for Maggie’s was fantastic - they treated us like royalty. Before the race they sent lots of information which really helped with training and fundraising. On the day, we got big cheers along the route and as we were coming down the finishing straight which was a massive boost. “At the finish, we really needed the massage and refreshments provided in the Maggie’s

marquee, and this definitely helped my legs the next day!” Maggie’s have been supporting hundreds of runners to reach the finish line since the event started in 2003. Sarah said: “Maggie’s provides a fantastic support service to those affected by cancer. It is hugely worthwhile and needs our support. We lost a friend who visited Maggie’s Edinburgh Centre so it’s very close to our hearts. It’s also great to be able to visit the Centre and see how our fundraising helps.” Get in touch: [email protected] or call 0300 123 1801 www.maggiescentres.org/edinburghmarathon

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to enter visit www.edinburgh-marathon.com

Time To Shop

Time To Chill A fantastic finish awaits you at the end of your 26.2 miles. With beer, burgers and massages on offer. What more could you want?

POST-RACE AT some marathons, even quite large events, can be a bit of an anti-climax. Not so at Edinburgh where once you have that coveted medal draped around your neck there’s the tented village of ‘Reunion Town’ to explore. Explore at your own pace of course, and enjoy the grassy expanses of these lazy acres. First thoughts will be to meet up with family and friends and buddies who have been doing the race as well. You need to graciously except all the compliments and to provide photo opportunities for your many admirers! But once you’ve smiled and hugged and kissed, it’s

IF YOU’RE in training for the Edinburgh Marathon Festival or any other event then the new addition to the EMF shop is a must-have! EMF’s ‘in training’ tops are exclusive high quality wicking t-shirts crafted from sports polyester dry-fit material. They have side mesh ventilation panels to help keep you cool, as well as being lightweight, fast drying and excellent value for money. These t-shirts are ideal for training no matter your sport of choice. They come in three different designs on the back - ‘making it happen’, ‘on target’ and ‘the running man’. Check them out and be one of the first to wear the new design, visit the Edinburgh Marathon Shop online.

COMEDY & CARBS THERE’S A fantastic trio of comedians lined up for the Comedy & Carb event (24 May). Des Clarke comperes the hilarious duo of Vladimir McTavish and Chris Forbes in an evening which will make you laugh all the way to the finish line! Vladimir has appeared on a number of popular TV and radio shows while Chris works regularly on the UK circuit and supported Kevin Bridges on his national tour. The Comedy & Carbs event is a great way to relax and meet fellow runners during the EMF weekend. Throw in some pasta, toss in some salad and a pinch of mickeytaking and this event is sure to be a sell-out (as it was last year so don’t delay!). To purchase tickets visit the Edinburgh Marathon Shop online.

time to enjoy the fun. Head along to the charity tents for more hero-worship, or maybe a welldeserved massage. Or check out the food and drink stalls - sample a beer from Stewart Brewing - try their Edinburgh Marathon ale or top quality burgers from mobile caterer Well Hung & Tender. Don’t miss the great value race merchandise too. Forth One will be broadcasting live, carrying lots of shout-outs for race finishers; and don’t miss the mascot races where the Hairy Haggis will be posing for photos and signing autographs. For more information visit www.edinburghmarathon.com.

All images this page courtesy Lesley Martin

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Find Your Way Here is a guide to using the Edinburgh Marathon Festival shuttle buses on race day, whether you are a competitor or spectator ...

MAKE LIFE easier for yourself and buy your EMF shuttle bus ticket in advance of race day on the event website. The start of Edinburgh marathon, half marathon and team relay on Sunday 26 May is on Regent Road and London Road in Edinburgh. The race will finish in Musselburgh which is approximately eight miles outwith the city centre. Tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis. Public transport from Musselburgh to

Edinburgh is limited and the shuttle buses are the quickest and easiest method of travel. Once purchased bus tickets are available to download from May 2014 via your MyDetails account. Start your 2014 EMF race safe in the knowledge you can get to where you want to be, when you want to be with an EMF bus ticket. Buy as early as possible to secure your place. Visit the Edinburgh Marathon Shop online. Above details correct at time of going to press.

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EMF IN PICTURES

All images this page courtesy Lesley Martin

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