Rock acts bound for race track

ORGANISERS of the Capital’s first-ever Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon say they have had a huge response and are promising a top line-up of music.

The event, the first of its kind in the UK, will go ahead around the city centre and Holyrood Park next month.

Organisers today unveiled further details of what runners can expect. At every milestone along the 13-mile course a live band or DJ will perform from a stage offering encouragement to the runners. The event will culminate in a post-race performance from indie band Kassidy at the finishing post.

Shannon Davis, the event’s marketing manager, said the response from runners and musicians had been huge.

She said: “We had an overwhelming response to our call-out for bands and we’ve got a great line-up of performers that will keep our runners, volunteers and supporters entertained along the race route.

“You can expect everything from hip hop and indie to reggae, rock ’n’ roll and country boogie – it will be an uplifting soundtrack to the race.”

A number of Scottish acts have signed up, including Kung Fu Academy, Homework and the Cow Cow Boogie. But it is the securing of Kassidy that is causing the most celebration.

They have been tipped as having much potential by critics and record industry figures, and have performed across the UK, including at the Glastonbury festival.

Ms Davis, who compared the race to a 13-mile “block party”, added: “The fusion of high energy music and running will create an electric atmosphere unlike that of any other race.”

Edinburgh-based band The Asps, who are working with legendary producer Ron Nevison, are also scheduled to appear.

The race on April 15 will raise cash for a range of charities, including Action Duchenne, Alzheimer Scotland, the Make a Wish Foundation and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. Its spot in the racing calendar replaces the ADT Edinburgh Half Marathon, which started in Meadowbank Stadium and ended in Musselburgh. For this event, runners will tour the city centre and the Meadows, then go around the Scottish Parliament and in the shadow of Arthur’s Seat.

Race director Mike James, who was also involved in the ADT race, said: “Lots of runners will be in the city for the first time and we wanted to incorporate its most scenic views.”

To register for the event visit www.competitor.com