Snow forces revised route to be adopted for Great Winter Run

IT takes a certain dedication to go for a run in thick snow, in close to zero-degree temperatures, on a day when most others would remain indoors, scoff what remains of the Quality Street, and put off the post-Christmas exercise plan for another week.

Organisers of today’s Great Winter Run in Edinburgh believe the majority of the 2,900 entrants for the event will brave the conditions to take part.

Lynsey Stephenson of Nova International stressed yesterday that much work had been put into getting the course ready for the big event, with the race routed round Holyrood Park. However, the conditions have dictated that a revised route is to be used instead, measuring 4km instead of the previous 5km circuit. Participants will now head off from the starting area near Holyrood Palace and climb the long steady slope up to the Pollock Halls area, where they will turn around and return down the same road. “We’ve been in contact with a number of competitors over the last few days and even though it’s exceptional weather, all the feedback is that they want to run,” said Stephenson.

The Bupa-sponsored day also incorporating a 2.5 kilometre junior race, and the Scottish Inter-District Championships.

A snow plough and gritter truck were deployed yesterday to unblock the top road through Holyrood Park.

For those already in possession of their race numbers and safety pins, the dilemma of whether to venture out will be left until the last.

“It’s not the cold temperature that is daunting,” admitted prospective participant, Carolyn Hadley, from Edinburgh. “It’s the idea of running up and down hill on icy surfaces that is putting me off.”

Participants have been advised that the course should be suitable for ordinary running shoes, but those who own trail or multi-terrain shoes – or spikes – might want to run in those.