Great Edinburgh Run: time to secure your place

Get on your marks for the Great Edinburgh Run. Picture: Greg Macvean

Runners will pound the streets passing Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh Castle, Greyfriars Bobby, the Scott Monument and the Royal Mile, on the ten-mile course around the city.

Organisers of the Easter event are encouraging participants to start training early, to ensure they are at their best for the run. They have prepared three plans to help with training – one for a “starter”, another for an “improver” and one for a “challenger”.

A variety of famous faces are expected to take part in the event, but names will not be revealed until closer to the run.

A spokeswoman for the Great Edinburgh Run said: “This is an amazing opportunity for locals and visitors alike to take over the streets of the Capital and run past some of the city’s most famous landmarks.

“As well as historic streets and fantastic views, the course will be packed with entertainment, with everything from bagpipers and bands to Capital FM DJs.

“Newer runners can soak-up the atmosphere and support of a big city run, while the ten-mile route offers a great test for seasoned runners or those who want to step-up from a 10k.”

The run takes place on April 17, and will begin at the foot of Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park and finish in the same place.

Elliot Bibby, a magician who lives in the city, said he is looking forward to signing up for the event.

The 23-year-old said: “I did the Great Winter Run a few weeks ago and it was a great experience.

“It was cold, and the gritters had been around the course about three times to get rid of the ice, but it was great to get back out running after the festive period.

“I’m going to challenge myself a bit further this time, though, and go for the ten miles.

“I’m looking forward to running past all of the city’s main landmarks.”

Event organisers have emphasised this is the only running event in the country that gives competitors the opportunity to see such famous landmarks while they run.

And the event is, they believe, the perfect training opportunity for those wishing to try a half marathon.

Lesley Garrett, a mum-of-two from South Queensferry, is gearing up to register for the event.

“I’ve never done an event like this before but I go out running quite a lot and I have been training for a while, so I think I’m ready,” she said.

“The beautiful course is really helping to encourage me to sign up this year, but I’ve still always got that little bit of doubt at the back of my head like, will I actually be able to do it?”

New to the 2016 Great Edinburgh Run is the Family Mile, which replaces the Junior and Mini events.

This event allows children and adults to run together around a shorter distance course in Holyrood Park.

Competitors are free to raise funds for charities close to their heart, with a host of local charities making deserving causes.

For more information about any of the events, visit: www.greatrun.org/ednews.