Record numbers for big race but some dreams turn to ash

Published on Saturday 17 April 2010 11:24

THOUSANDS of runners are gearing up for the biggest Chris Hoy Half Marathon tomorrow.

More than 4,000 runners will set off from Meadowbank Stadium, after organisers saw entries soar by more than 40 per cent this year. They hope the event will raise at least 500,000 for charities.

However, almost 200 participants from around the world have had to pull out of the race after their flights were cancelled. Runners from as far away as the United States, Denmark and Germany were left stranded at airports after the volcanic eruption in Iceland caused air-traffic chaos.

Organiser Mike James, of GB Event Management, said: "It's very sad that they haven't been able to make it, especially after putting in weeks of training. However, we've offered to defer their places, so they can take part in next year's run."

Drivers are being warned that many roads in the city centre will be closed between 8.30am and 10.30am as the race bearing the name of cycling champion Chris Hoy, pictured, takes place. There will also be road closures in East Lothian between 8am and 2pm. Thousands of spectators are expected at Musselburgh Racecourse to welcome runners across the finishing line.

While most participants will be enjoying a well-earned rest and celebrating their achievement afterwards, for Mark Cooper the half-marathon will just be a warm-up.

The 27-year-old from Mountcastle will shortly be setting off for Amsterdam for a gruelling 1,300-mile charity run to Barcelona.

He will be running the equivalent of 50 marathons in 56 days. He hopes to raise around 25,000 for Headway, in memory of his mother Sheila, who died of a brain haemorrhage when he was 14. Mr Cooper said: "A lot of people have said it should be easy for me, but I'm trying to run as fast as I can and beat my personal best. I think I'll be very tired at the end.

"I'm really excited about the challenge. I think the hardest part was organising it. Now I just need to stay focused and think of it as 50 little adventures.

"It's a way of paying tribute to my mother's life, and helping other people who have suffered brain haemorrhages. The fundraising has been going very well – I've got 10,000 and am well on my way to reaching my target. I've been overwhelmed by the generosity of my friends and family, and everyone who is supporting me."

Other runners taking part in tomorrow's event include 40 supporting Breast Cancer Care Scotland, who hope to raise 6,000 for the charity. There will also be 49 running in aid of St Columba's Hospice, including a team of 22 from Halcrow Engineering.

A spokeswoman for the hospice said: "We're delighted so many people are taking part, and many of them are doing it in memory of a family member or friend who has been cared for in the hospice."

Finalists from the Miss Universe Edinburgh competition are among those taking to the road hoping to raise thousands of pounds for the Make A Wish Foundation, which makes dreams come true for seriously ill children.

Goi Wilkinson, 26, and Michelle MacDonald, 20, who both work as models in Edinburgh, decided to support the charity after reaching the local Miss Universe final earlier this year.

Organiser Mr James said they hoped to raise a total of 500,000 for various charities. He said: "This is the fifth anniversary of the event, and we're delighted we've managed to increase the entry by 40 per cent. The route along the East Lothian coast is probably one of the most attractive half marathons in the country."