Thousands take part in the Edinburgh Marathon

More than 3000 athletes, including charity fun runners, took part in the 26.2-mile road race. Picture: Ian Georgeson

Cheered on by crowds, more than 3000 athletes, including charity fun runners, took part in the 26.2-mile road race.

Matt Holland, 25, of Stockbridge, completed the half-marathon event in one hour, 31 minutes to raise money for Macmillan in honour of his sister, Emily Dipple, who is now in remission following a cancer battle.

He said: “It’s been a challenging year for the family and I wanted to do something. The last couple of miles I was thinking of her and that spurred me on.

“The event was really good, particularly when you got down to Portobello promenade with all the Macmillan signs and the Chariots of Fire music.

“There was a guy dressed as a carrot and extra credit should go to anyone who can run 13 miles dressed as a

vegetable!”

The main race started at 10am at London Road, passing through Prestonpans, Cockenzie and Port Seton to finish at Musselburgh.

Catherine MacLeod, 37, of Portobello, watched the event with her three children – Molly, nine, Luke, six, and Jake, two. She said: “Lots of people were cheering and clapping, particularly for the people who were dressed up.”

Half-marathon runner Mark Owen, 29, of Bruntsfield, said: “Everyone was in good spirits, there was an excellent turnout. People of all shapes, sizes, ages and genders were taking part.”