Capital set to be rolling in cash thanks to rocking run

Almost 5000 participants have already registered for the event next month.

At every milestone along the 13-mile course, which takes in the city centre and Holyrood Park, a live band or DJ will perform. The event will culminate in a post-race performance from indie band Kassidy.

Shannon Davis, the event’s marketing manager, said she had been blown away by the response, with 20 per cent of those registered from outwith the UK and almost ten per cent coming from the US.

She said: “We have held 24 of these marathons in the US. We knew we’d drum up some support from those participants but this is higher than expected.

“This is the first one we’ve ever held outside the US and it looks certain to be a success. The whole of Edinburgh should benefit from this; restaurants, cafes, hotels, guest houses and taxi drivers.

“A lot of our runners are really excited to come and discover Scotland – hopefully it will become a regular date.”

The cash injection has been welcomed by economic development convener Tom Buchanan, who said: “It’s a huge coup for Edinburgh to be the first UK city to host this fantastic event, and the fact that we were selected alongside Madrid in the series’ new European line-up is testament to Edinburgh’s international reputation as a premier destination for major events.

“As well as bringing in considerable economic benefits to the city, this is bound to create an exciting carnival atmosphere for runners and spectators.”

The route for the race, which begins and ends in Holyrood Park, also takes in Leith Links, Portobello Promenade and loops around the city centre, past many of the Capital’s historic landmarks.

Organisers are calling for volunteers to help at the inaugural April 15 event. Cristina Conklin, community relations and volunteer recruitment manager, said: “We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help out over the weekend – it’s great for people who are looking to get experience working at major events and who want to be a part of a UK first.”

Volunteers should be able to commit some time on the weekend of April 14-15 to help with packet pick up, gear checks, water stops, and medal distribution.

Anyone interested should contact [email protected] or call 0870 121 2342.

[email protected]

Making music

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series is the world’s largest running series, attracting 500,000 runners a year in the US across 25 different cities.

The Edinburgh event will see live bands and DJs playing a variety of music from punk to jazz and will raise cash for charities including Action Duchenne, Alzheimer Scotland and the Make a Wish Foundation.