Great Edinburgh Run to include 5K route for first time

THIS year's Bupa Great Edinburgh Run is to include a five kilometre route for the first time.

The inaugural 5K will take place ahead of the usual 10K race on October 2, branded as part of a "Great Day of Running" in the city centre. Both routes take in many of the city's best-known landmarks.

City events champion Councillor Steve Cardownie welcomed the addition of the new event. He said: "We want to encourage as many people as possible to get involved in sport, which is why the inclusion of the new 5K route is so important, it gives everyone the opportunity to experience the thrill of taking part. We're proud this event takes place against what must be one of the most spectacular sporting-event backdrops in the world."

The run will be televised live on Channel 5 and will also be the subject of an hour-long highlights programme on BBC Scotland.

Last year's Great Edinburgh Run, which also incorporated the Bupa Junior and Mini Great Edinburgh Run, saw more than 10,000 people take part.