Scotland’s capital is set to host a metric marathon next spring after hundreds of requests by runners to bring back the popular race distance.
Entries are open now for the 26.2km route which on March 17 2013 will show Edinburgh at its very best. Much of the route is on luscious green Edinburgh cycle paths taking in Ocean Terminal and Leith Docks, with views over the Firth of Forth, before heading past the famous Royal Yacht Britannia, and then on to the legendary home of Scottish rugby, Murrayfield Stadium.
The Kilomathon events which are metric equivalents of the marathon distances have built up a loyal following since they were first launched in 2010 with a 26.2km course that included crossing the Forth Road Bridge. But the full 26.2km race distance was dropped in Edinburgh this year after organisers changed the Kilomathon route.
Now the 26.2km race is back as an exciting, new fixture on the UK running calendar. A half Kilomathon of 13.1km, a quarter of 6.5km and a 2.6km junior race are also available to sign up to compete in on March 17 as part of Kilomathon Scotland’s spring races.
Neil Kilgour, Kilomathon Scotland Race Director, said: “We’re proud to host such an unusual race and to bring back the 26.2km distance after demand from runners for this distance.
“It’s 26.2KM (16.3 miles) is a perfect distance if you are training for a marathon later in the year.
“The route includes Ocean Terminal, picturesque Edinburgh parks with a memorable finish at Murrayfield, the home of the Scottish rugby team. It’s a course we’ve chosen with care and includes some nice flat parts plus scenic sections using the cycle paths adjacent to Ferry Road.
“The 13.1km race is an ideal distance for the many thousands of runners who complete a 10k and until now have found that’s the end of the road. The thought of going twice as far and doing a half marathon is quite daunting so our unusual 13.1km distance is very appealing. It’s a nice way of easing yourself from the comfort zone of 10km to something more demanding.
“The 6.5km race is perfect for those tens of thousands of runner who happily take on a 5km challenge at a Big Fun Run. Can we tempt them a little bit further and send them on their way to 10km success? We think we can with 6.5km.
“And our 2.6km race which is open to children aged six to 14 means there’s something for all the family. All in all we reckon that we’ve created a winning package of races, all a bit out of the ordinary. Our distances, although unusual, will help runners towards their next goal. All that combined with our great start and finish means this is a perfect opportunity for families and groups of friends to have a very special day out.”
ENTRIES are now open for Kilomathon Scotland on March 17th, 2013
Just go to the website on www.kilomathon.com
Additional notes
We’re spoilt for choice with two Kilomathon races planned for 2013. The first race is in Edinburgh on March 17 2013 and the second will be in London in October 2013.
If you fancy following in the footsteps of Olympic stars, entries are still open for the London 2012 Kilomathon on October 30th, 2012.
Competing in a Kilomathon is also a chance to make a difference to other people’s lives by raising money for charity.The are over 300 Kilomathon affliliate charities to fundraise for.