Press Release - Edinburgh Marathon - 5/25/08

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

               Albert Bartlett Edinburgh Marathon

The 2008 Albert Bartlett Edinburgh Marathon celebrated its Sixth  
anniversary today when hosting its annual running event.  Now a firm  
fixture on the runner's calendar, it attracted almost 13000 entrants.

The 2008 Albert Bartlett Edinburgh Marathon was won today by Paul  
McNamara in a time of 2:25:06.  This was 6 minutes faster that last  
years winning time of 2:31:00.   Pauline Powell won the woman's event  
in a time of 2:47:57.  The winning male and female both ran off with a  
£1,000 prize to compliment the prestige of winning an event voted Top  
Scottish Running Event by Runners World.  This year had additional  
time bonus prize money for British elite runners. Full prize list on  
page http://www.edinburgh-marathon.com/?2008-prizes

The high winds did not lead to fast finishing times for the elites.  
The wind meant that their finishing times were 7 to 8 minutes below  
calm weather conditions. The added prize fund provided by Albert  
Bartlett attracted some top cclass elites from the UK and Ireland.

Men:
1.	Paul McNamera 2:25:06
2.	Nathaniel Williams 2:25:33
3.	Michael Green 2:26:18

Women:
1.	Pauline Powell 2:47:57
2.	Karen Kazlitt 2:50:29
3.	Gill Laithwaite 2:52:24

First Scottish Man
1.	Chris Wilson 2:29:57

First Scottish Woman
Dianne Lauder 3:02:01

In what was Edinburgh Marathons largest ever event with over10000  
finishers on the day.

The Chevrolet Team Relay was won in a time of 2:42:00. The team was  
captained by Duncan McGougan. He beat Neil Aitkens team in sprint  
finish by 1 second in a time of 2:42:01.  Over 800 teams took part in  
the relay race that breaks the marathon course into 4 shorter legs.   
Popular with corporate, charity and friends teams it has proved a  
gentler introduction to marathon runners.  Many past relay runners  
took part this year in the full marathon including MSP Gavin Brown.

The marathon today saw a record number of supporters turn out to  
encourage the runners.  There can be little doubt that the nice  
weather contributed to the occasion and many runners voiced their  
appreciation of the local crowds cheering them on.  Race Direcor Geoff  
Sims had earlier thanked the people of Lothian when acknowledging that  
their hospitality is key factor in the growth of the event.

This year's event has been a widely supported fundraising effort,  
spearheaded by the Official Charities, represented by Myloma UK,  
Kidney Research UK and Hope for Children.  It is estimated that the  
fundraising associated with the event will be over £3million.

The Edinburgh Marathon was held over a flat course that is widely  
recognized as one of the most stunning marathon courses in the world.   
Starting on Regent Road it went past The Palace of Holyrood House, The  
Scottish Parliament building and Arthur's Seat before heading down to  
the coast via Portobello.  It then followed the beautiful coastal  
route into East Lothian all the way to Gosford House and then back  
along the coast to finish at Musselburgh Race Course.  This  
significantly flatter course may also account for the massive increase  
in entries.

Details for next years race will be released shortly.
Men:
4.	Paul McNamera 2:25:06
5.	Nathaniel Williams 2:25:33
6.	Michael Green 2:26:18

Women:
4.	Pauline Powell 2:47:57
5.	Karen Kazlitt 2:50:29
6.	Gill Laithwaite 2:52:24

First Scottish Man
2.	Chris Wilson 2:29:57

First Scottish Woman
3.	Dianne Lauder 3:02:01

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