Marathon a trial even for spectators

Published on Monday 23 May 2011 13:55

Edinburgh Marathon runners have described the race as "a shambles" amid complaints about a lack of atmosphere and poor organisation.

Marathon chiefs were slammed for ushering spectators into a Family Reunion Area hundreds of metres away from the finishing line at Linkfield Road, Musselburgh, leaving the home straight "almost bereft" of cheering supporters, it has been claimed.

Complaints were also made after a large TV, installed within the spectator hub to screen footage of runners at the finishing line, broke down.

Yesterday, Edinburgh Marathon's Facebook page was bombarded with criticism over planning for this year's event which also saw some exhausted athletes - who had paid to use the marathon's official bus service - forced to walk for up to 30 minutes to catch their lift back into the city.

In a statement, race organisers admitted faults with the big screen, which had been affected by "weather and technical issues", but insisted they had received "many positive comments" about Sunday's event.

June Toner, 53, who travelled from Glasgow to watch her daughter run, said she became so concerned by large crowds gathering at the finishing area that she called the police fearing a "catastrophe".

She said: "People congregated at barriers beside the finishing area to see friends and loved ones picking up their medals because the big screen was not working and it was as close as you could get to them. There was a real crush at one point and it got to a stage where it was quite dangerous. It was quite a distressing experience for many people there.

"If anyone had panicked there could have been a real crush."

Ms Toner claimed the crush around the finish line was due to the restricted access for wellwishers

And she said: "This was a really bad show for Scotland's capital city that is usually spot on at organising large events.

"If they had used the Musselburgh Racecourse like in previous years then this wouldn't have happened."

One disgruntled runner, who declined to be named, said: "The organisation at the end was a bit of a shambles.

"I wasn't able to meet my relay team mates at the finish line and the giant screen I was directed to instead was showing highlights of T in the Park - without sound.

"I think that took the sheen off what had otherwise been a great event.

"Having to walk 25 minutes for a shuttle bus back into town can't have pleased those with blistered feet after running 26 miles either."

A spokesman for Edinburgh Marathon said: "We are very keen to take on board all feedback that we receive and are disappointed that not all runners were satisfied and that the big screen was at times affected by weather and technical issues.

"Year on year we endeavour to make the Edinburgh Marathon Festival a better event for all involved which is demonstrated by its growing popularity."