Press Release - The Edinburgh Marathon - 8/20/08

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

               Its First Come, First Served For The 
              2009 Albert Bartlett Edinburgh Marathon

Entries for the 2009 Albert Bartlett Edinburgh Marathon opened on 1st
September 2009.  After delivering another fantastic event in May this year,
it's expected that entries will grow significantly again for the 2009 event.
Entries for the 2008 marathon saw a dramatic increase from 5,450 entries in
2007 to 10,230 entries in 2008, a remarkable 85% growth.

To ensure that another top quality event is delivered and to ensure that the 
runners get another quality experience entries will be capped at 11,500.  
This will allow for a modest growth and ensure that a top quality race is 
delivered.   

Geoff Sims, Chief Executive of the marathon said; 

"The Edinburgh Marathon was rated the fastest marathon in Britain in the May 
edition of Runners World Magazine and was also rated the best running event 
of any distance in Scotland in the February edition of Runner's World 
Magazine.  We are seeing a major buzz about the event.  The Albert Bartlett 
Edinburgh Marathon is a must for any runner looking for a quick time or any 
runner looking for a great race"

In a change from previous years there will not be a ballot for the 2009 
event; entries will be on a first come first served basis so it is advised 
that if runners want to guarantee their place they should to enter quickly 
after entries open on the 1st September 2008.   On the first day entries 
opened almost 1,000 people entered.

There will not be an EXPO for the 2009 Albert Bartlett Edinburgh Marathon.  
It is hoped that this move will encourage Glasgow and west coast runners to 
travel to Edinburgh for the event. In previous years, runners from the west 
coast had to travel to Edinburgh for the EXPO on the Friday or Saturday and 
then travel back to Edinburgh again for the race on Sunday morning.  All 
running numbers and timing chips will be posted out allowing west coast 
runners just to travel to Edinburgh on race morning. 

ASICS have come on board as sportswear sponsor in a three year deal. All 
finishers will get a technical ASICS t-shirt in their goodybag. Runners will 
also get the chance to purchase dual branded (ASICS/Edinburgh Marathon) top 
quality running gear from the ASICS Autumn/Winter Eikoku range on the 
Edinburgh Marathon online shop. 

The 2009 course will follow the same route as the 2008 marathon with the 
start remaining on Regent Road.  The fastest marathon in the UK is a must 
for anyone looking for a PB. 

Entries for the Team Relay grew from 2,120 in 2007 to 3,400 entries in 2008 
making total entries for the 2008 marathon and team relay 13,680.  Team 
Relay entrants will also open on 1st September 2008 and close when 1,000 
teams have entered. 

For more information on the marathon or to enter the marathon or team relay 
please visit www.edinburgh-marathon.co.uk 



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