Press Release - Edinburgh Marathon - 9/26/13

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

                         Cure The Ballot Blues - 
       Entries Are Still Open For the Edinburgh Marathon 2014

STAR in Scotland's most spectacular sporting year - that's the invitation 
runners who were unsuccessful in the Virgin Money London Marathon ballot 
received today.

Organisers of the Edinburgh Marathon Festival revealed an instant cure for 
the ballot blues by offering disappointed fitness fans a place in 
Scotland's largest running event instead. Entries are still open for the 
Edinburgh Marathon on May 25 2014. The big day in EDINBURGH is only SIX 
weeks after London which means runners working towards a training schedule 
designed for London should still be in peak fitness for the race of their 
life in Scotland instead. 

The Edinburgh Marathon will kick off an extraordinary year of sport across 
the country with a line-up that includes the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 
in July and golf's 40th Ryder Cup at Gleneagles in September. With its fast 
and flat route, the marathon in Scotland's capital city is among the 
fastest in the world and a perfect choice for runners chasing a personal 
best. And Edinburgh was recently voted the second best destination in the 
UK for a city marathon, behind only London and ahead of Brighton, Dublin, 
Liverpool, as well as Manchester.

Neil Kilgour, Edinburgh Marathon Festival director said: "We're there for 
you, particularly if you have been unlucky in the London marathon ballot."

"We look forward to delivering another outstanding Edinburgh Marathon 
Festival that the nation will be proud of. Now is the time to make 2014 
your year. If you've been training well, but been unlucky not to win a 
place in the London ballot then all is not lost. The Edinburgh Marathon 
Festival is only six weeks later so it's a natural alternative. When one 
door closes, another opens. Come join us in the UK's other world class 
Marathon event. There really couldn't be a better time to plan a trip to 
Scotland."

With runners from more than 100 countries expected to take part, the 
Edinburgh Marathon Festival is an ideal way to showcase the capital at its 
very best and compliments a year-long programme of Homecoming events 
designed to showcase Scotland around the world.

The Edinburgh Marathon joined the world's elite road races last year by  
becoming the first race in Scotland to be officially recognised by the 
IAAF, the athletics governing body. The IAAF bronze label puts the race 
among the top 75 in the world making it a pivotal part of the sporting 
calendar for runners.

The Edinburgh Marathon Festival, which in 2014 will be in its 12th year, 
takes place in Scotland's capital city Edinburgh and continues through East 
Lothian. There are eight races on offer, guaranteeing there is something 
for everyone from the seasoned runner to the charity fundraiser and 
beginners. The fun kicks off on Saturday May 24 at Holyrood Park with a 
10k, 5K and two junior races. On Sunday May 25, the Edinburgh Marathon, 
Half Marathon and team relay starts from the heart of Edinburgh and 
continues through East Lothian offering stunning views and an unforgettable 
running experience.

It has had an economic impact of more than £25 million for Scotland's 
capital and helped raise more than £30 million for hundreds of charities. 
Together with the Edinburgh Marathon Festival's Official Charity, Macmillan 
Cancer Support, organisers are hoping to break all previous records and 
raise even more in 2014.

Entries are open for the Edinburgh Marathon Festival on May 24 and 25, 
2014. Just go to the website www.edinburgh-marathon.com and like the 
Edinburgh Marathon Festival Facebook page.

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