Snow hurdles for Great Winter Run

Organisers say the race in Holyrood Park will go ahead whatever the weather, with an alternative route already mapped out in case the traditional route around Queen's Drive has to be changed.

The 5km race will start at noon after a mass warm-up on the start line close to Holyrood Palace.

The run is part of a full day of events, including the Bupa Great Edinburgh Cross- Country event, which attracts some of the world's best cross-country runners. It is free to spectators and will also be televised live on BBC1.

Among those taking part will be Olympic champions Asbel Kiprop and Brimin Kipruto and Scottish stars Steph Twell and Freya Murray.

The day also includes the Scottish Inter-District Cross-Country Championships and the Bupa Junior Great Winter Run.

Last year, heavy snow saw the Winter Run's course shortened to an alternative 4.2km route.

Spokeswoman for organiser Nova International, Lynsey Stephenson, said: "We learnt lessons from the 2010 run.

"We can't predict the weather but we can confirm that we have a 5km course, which depending on the weather conditions may include elements of multi-terrain, that will provide us with a backup route should the elements hit the UK hard again on January 8.

"Anyone can get involved right from the beginner to the very best elite athletes in the world. Entries close at 9am on Thursday for the 5k Bupa Great Winter Run and it's free to spectate."

Among those taking part is Angela Paterson, a business consultant from Colinton, who has organised a team of 28 people to take part in the race as part of their training for the London Triathlon this year.

The group, called the TT Rookies, are all novices, and hope to raise 20,000 for Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

Ms Paterson, 41, said she was inspired to run for the charity after having two lumps removed from her breast as a teenager.

She said: "I just count myself extremely fortunate that I'm fine, and that I've moved on from that."

The full list of finishing times will be published in the Evening News' special souvenir supplement on January 10 - to order a copy in advance, contact Customer Services on 0800 328 4252.

To sponsor the TT Rookies see www.ttrookies.co.uk.