Rock ‘n’ roll marathon racers making tracks to Edinburgh

The event, already held in Madrid, Portugal and several cities across the US, debuted in Edinburgh earlier this year, with 5000 people taking part.

Organisers said they hoped next year’s event would be bigger and even better.

As well as taking competitors on a picturesque route past many of the city’s famous landmarks, the race also has its own musical interludes, with local bands performing at every mile point and a special headliner at the finish line.

Event director Shannon Davis said: “Next year, we’re aiming to have about 7000 participants. There’s a great festival atmosphere surrounding the day.

“The marathons have a bit of a cult following. At this year’s race, about 20 per cent of the runners were from overseas, with countries including the USA, Brazil, Finland, Greece, Norway, New Zealand and South Africa all represented.”

Those who feel they were born to run are reminded not to forget their handbags and gladrags – or at least not the gladrags.

“We do encourage our runners to dress up for the race and while any type of fancy dress is fine, most of them do come as their favourite rock ‘n’ roll icon. In April, we had lots of Elvises, Kiss, but we also had a few pandas, too. We just want to encourage people to get into their dressing-up box and have a little fun on the run.”

Though the route is still subject to final confirmation, it is expected to begin in the Meadowbank area, passing Leith and the Firth of Forth and circling back round through Duddingston, Holyrood and the city centre, before ending back at Holyrood Park.

Ms Davis said: “It’s a great course that goes along a very scenic route and many of last year’s runners gave wonderful feedback highlighting how fantastic it was to go past so many beautiful landmarks.”

This Saturday sees the launch of next year’s marathon at Red Dog Music between noon and 3pm.

Ms Davis said: “On Saturday there will be live music, prizes to be won, a free pint for guests and a free T-shirt for all runners who sign up to take part in the race at the event.

“Guests will also have a chance to meet the race directors and learn all about what’s in store. Also, if runners sign up now they can take advantage of the discounted entry rate.”

For more information, visit http://uk.competitor.com/edinburgh/register