Organisers toast success of Edinburgh half marathon

DESPITE rain, low temperatures and a loss of competitors caused by the volcanic ash air restrictions, race organisers of the Chris Hoy Edinburgh Half Marathon declared the event a success last night and promised it will return next year.

Entry was up 40 per cent on last year with 4,350 competitors registering, but the start figure was 3,150. "Even though the weather was poor, the runners seemed to enjoy themselves," said Mike James of GB Event Management.

"The winner knocked a minute off his personal best, so although conditions were not perfect, they did not have an adverse effect on everyone.

"We did suffer slightly from the ash problem. European runners couldn't make it, and those from southern England were not able to get here, but we still managed to put on a good race.

"Our aim is to have as many people come back next year as we possibly can. This is the fifth hosting of the event and the second year under the Chris Hoy banner, and all parties involved in staging the race are looking ahead to next year already. Chris couldn't be with us because his wedding was held the day before, but he sees his involvement as a privilege and vice versa."

The first competitor home was Andrew Douglas of Inverclyde AC, whose time of 1:07: 37 was nearly a full six minutes faster than second placed David Wright of Hunters Bog Trotters. Third place was Jonathan Carpenter of Harmeny AC, fourth was Richard Meade of Edinburgh AC, and fifth was Jamie Thom of Heaton Harriers & AC.

The women's race was won by Saraha Jarvis of Bingley Harriers & AC, who came 14th overall with a time of 01:19:11. Second – and 28th overall – was Issy Menzies of Army Athletics, third was Niamh Devlin (37th overall) of Edinburgh AC, fourth Lisa Finlay (41st overall) of Dumfries RC, and fifth Melanie Henderson (67th overall) unattached.