Thousands of racers from across the city and beyond took part in the Edinburgh Marathon Festival 2022, as the city's biggest running event made a triumphant return to the city.
Spread across two days, events included the marathon itself, half marathon, 10km and 5km runs, as well as a series of events for children on the Saturday.
On Sunday, the top three marathon runners in the female category were Virginie Barrand, Metro Aberdeen RC ,who ran a time of 2:45:03 Sophie Delderfield, Vale of Aylesbury AC, who completed the course at 2:51:43 and Christina Strauss at 2:54:18.
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For the men, Matthew Gillette made it over the line at 2:17:5, making him the faster marathon runner on Sunday. Peter Avent, Shettleston Harriers, had the speedy time of 2:21:29 and bronze went to Ollie Garrod of South London Harriers at 2:22:55.
One runner, Alison Payne, crossed the Edinburgh Half Marathon finish line in memory of her husband Jude. “Jude always looked for the best in others and tried to help them, she told Edinburgh Live. “In that spirit, I want to raise money for Blood Cancer UK and help others suffering from the horrible disease that took Jude”
Starting Couch to 5K during lockdown, Alison has continued to run regularly and conquering the half marathon distance will be her biggest challenge. “I'm not a sporty person but I started Couch to 5K to keep active during lockdown. I surprised myself at what I could achieve and it has helped me so much during these past couple of years, mentally and physically”.
Having raised almost £1000, Alison chose to run the Edinburgh Half Marathon as the route holds a special place in her heart. Whilst completing her half marathon, Alison ran past Jude’s memorial bench in Portobello.
“I know he will have been cheering me on. I felt terrified at the prospect of running a half marathon but it meant so much to me. I’m humbled and honoured to be able to do this in memory of Jude,” she added.
Another runner Lauren completed the half marathon in aid of MS society Scotland after finding out her sister had MS last year.
She said: "I wanted to raise money and awareness for this cause as my sister has received some brilliant support”
Philip and his daughter Aoife took part in the Edinburgh Marathon Festival this weekend to raise money for Asthma + Lung UK. 10 year old Aoife took part in the Junior 2K yesterday, and Philip ran the Half Marathon today, both in memory of Philip’s father and Aoife’s grandfather.
“On the 22nd of July 2021, my father, Hugh Short, died of Covid Lung Disease. Working as a Respiratory Doctor, I know how much Asthma and Lung UK does to support respiratory research and help those who suffer from lung disease.”
Whilst Coronavirus has affected people in many different ways, unfortunately some people develop an acute lung disease when they contract covid. This happened to Philip’s father.
“My father was previously fit and healthy and fully vaccinated. When my father developed Covid, he developed respiratory failure which resulted in him going into hospital. Despite the excellent work of the NHS and despite being admitted to Intensive Care, my father passed away on the 22nd of July 2022.”
“I am a Consultant Respiratory Physician and Clinical Lead of Respiratory Medicine at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee. I have seen first hand the excellent work that Asthma and Lung UK do. My father is missed dearly by the whole family.”
“Both Aoife and I loved every minute of EMF weekend and are overwhelmed by the support we have received.”
Brothers Gregor and Fraser Bridges ran the EMF Kids Kilo and Junior 1.5K races for Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of their Gran Norma.
Gran Norma passed away in 2015 when Gregor was only 1 year old after battling bowel cancer.
“Gregor was her little sweetheart, they were best pals and she loved every moment with him” mum Toni explained.
Over the years, Norma’s family has expanded with the addition of 5 grandchildren. “When we’re all together we always speak about her to keep her memory alive”.
Gregor took part in EMF in 2018 and 2019 and now his brother Fraser is old enough to join the fun whilst remembering their special reason for running.
“It’s a great achievement and a very emotional finish each time. I always cry because of how proud I am that they can do these races to help a charity that helps so many people in their darkest moments”.
Macmillan Nurses cared for Gran Norma and supported her to spend her final weeks at home, where she wanted to be, surrounded by her loved ones.
“Norma was visited by the same nurse everytime and she started to feel like family, always there when Norma needed her”.
Kevin Watson completed the half marathon with some work colleagues raising money for Support in Mind Scotland.
He said: “ Really glad I could race today for such a good cause.
The weather was on our side today and it was great to see so many people taking part after the pandemic had us all locked inside."
Neil Kilgour, Edinburgh Marathon Festival Director, said: "After what’s been a tough couple of years for everyone, It was incredible to see tens of thousands of participants back in Edinburgh, raising millions for good causes.
“We are so proud to host a truly world class running event in Scotland’s capital for runners of all ages from across the globe. Congratulations to everyone who took part. Thanks for making the 2022 Edinburgh Marathon Festival the biggest sports participation event in Scotland’s history. Come and see us again next year!”
