All ages and abilities make fun run success

Many of the participants donned costumes to take part in the 5km event, which started and finished next to Holyrood Palace on Sunday.

The popular event, organised by GSi Events in association with Edinburgh Leisure, was officially started by five members of the Edinburgh Leisure Pink Ladies programme.

Fortunately the rain held off for the 320 runners who took part in breezy  conditions.

Raceday organiser Shona Aitken said: “It’s been a great success, thankfully it hasn’t rained and there are plenty of people dressed up, with a good mix of abilities.

“We’re slightly down numbers wise on last year but that’s to be expected considering the recent weather. It’s still been a great day though.”

Most of those taking part raised money for one of the organisation’s 76 partner charities.

Runner Gary Keniry, 34, from Broxburn, who was raising £300 for charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer said: “There’s a great atmosphere around and it’s a pleasure to run in such beautiful surroundings.

“It’s an added bonus to raise money for such a wonderful cause too.”

The Edinburgh Leisure Big Fun Run joins 21 more Big Fun Runs being staged across the UK from July to November.

John Comiskey, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Leisure said: “Edinburgh Leisure is proud to be part of an event which fits so well with our vision to inspire Edinburgh to be a more active and healthy city. The Big Fun Run series is a great example of events that allow lots of people of all ages and stages to participate and see physical activity as fun.

“Congratulations to everyone who took part in the Big Fun Run in Edinburgh.”

Ian Grimwade, Head of Sales and Business Opportunities at Edinburgh Leisure, who also ran the Big Fun Run, said “We are delighted to have some of our Pink Ladies who have trained with us here to start (and run) the Edinburgh Leisure Big Fun Run today.”