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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