With a bit more planning consideration this could have been 'one of the great ones'. From the lack of safety pins in the sealed bib/clip envelope to the four 'spot-a-pots' at the start there was a lack of foresight and organization. Combine this with being handed your medal in a plastic pouch while you stand in line for a 'paper thin' very plain white T-shirt had you wonder where did all the entry fee go.

On the positive side the course was nice (relatively flat and picturesque) and the crowds were wonderful. The water stations were well placed and the volunteers did well.

Lack of toilets at the beginning was really bad, as the queues were big and could have delayed people running. Part way throught there were toilets, but in one particular area - JUST ONE!

Lack of toilets on the day was painful and I'm sure stressful for many. Family reunion area could also be improved - e.g. letters of alphabet to facilitate easier reunion. For a race of this caliber, the area around the start was disappointing. On a positive note, the stewards were helpful and the relay buses were on time. Regarding crowds: when I was running along Princes St., my impression was that Edinburgh was still asleep!

The Edinburgh Marathon surprised me - it had everything. A fast course, changeable weather, long, flat stretches, a great crowd (especially at the relay changeover areas - they were fantastic) and scenery to die for.

Shame about the lack of toilets, changing area and car parking, but that's what happens at big marathons where we pay £39 to be treated like cattle. We should expect more for our money.

Fairly balanced course, but getting tougher and harder under foot in the latter stages. Start was not very well organized and the early start time certainly created problems. There is usually a bit of a wait for the porta-potties but this was pretty ridiculous. Good water station planning and I liked both the bottled water and energy drinks. The baggage return was a tad overwhelmed, and as for the size of the bag you were supplied with, way too small. My one biggest concern is that I was staying with relatives and they had no idea that the event was taking place, having heard nothing through the local media - a bad mistake. Overall, it was a reasonable day out but I will think long and hard before doing this one again.

Drinking and energy stations were excellent, stewards and volunteers were excellent, spectators were fantastic and supportive, but facilities (such as toilets, changing areas, massage, healthy food and drinks) were greatly lacking, very disappointing and not what you expect for a city event on this scale.

After rising at 5am to get the official Glasgow to Edinburgh bus at 6.30am I was sorely disappointed. We entered as 2 relay teams and 2 marathon runners. The relay teams were matched and organized with like minds and fitness levels despite some of us never meeting. We arrived at 7.45am starving and desperate for the loos and were faced with queues for the toilets and a £2.50 bacon butty. My running buddy and myself then got our coach to Silverknowes and us being women needed the loo again (put it down to nerves and rain!) we were then told the loos had not arrived and when they did there was a grand total of 2!!!!. The bushes got it, thank god it has rained since as everyone appeared to have the same idea! After our final relay runners completed their legs they were handed 5 medals each, NO RIBBONS, what a rip off! We have all run several races over the years and will think twice about putting in such a long day for such little disorganization and reward.

I ran this in 2003 and found it quite tough due to numerous hills - notably Arthurs seat at the 1 - 3 mile stage. The route has now changed quite a bit to eliminate the major hills and, as a result, it is a much faster course - indeed the course record was broken and now down to 2:15. I was also 16 minutes faster than in 2003 and a new PB for me by 11 mins. A good way to see Edinburgh with plenty of water staions as well as lucozade and sponges. Numbers are up on the 2800 or so the last time I ran with around 6000 marathon runners and 1000 relay teams of 5 in a team running as well. The price has also sadly gone up as well though to £39 - quite a hike as it was £27 in 2003. Comparable with some other marathons such as e.g.Paris I know but not quite on the same scale just yet - London has been around the £27 mark for many years and runs very smoothly. I would recommend this Marathon to anyone - especially to combine with a trip to visit for a short while.

I just ran the 2005 version of Edinburgh -- it was great. Well organised, plenty of water and energy drink stops, and incredibly well marshalled with a huge number of volunteers. I heard that some had a slow start, but I didn't, and in any event I think the chip timing accomodates that. What stands out most in my mind are: (i) it's a beautiful course, winding around the sights of central Edinburgh, then through what feels like countryside and finally a long stretch along the water (the first half is not flat, and there's a long gentle hill at the end, but overall the inclines are pretty mild and make it interesting), and (ii) 6,000 runners is a perfect size -- enough to keep you going, but not so many that you're always jostling elbows and dodging others (there is a relay too, but it starts an hour later, so really doesn't interfere). I'm not a serious marathoner, but I've run New York and London -- and enjoyed Edinburgh the most.

As a first visit to the Scottish capital, it was a spectacular way to see the city's sights. However, I could easily have been done after a half-marathon. Arthur's Seat really took a toll on my inexperienced marathoning legs.

The seafront bit of it (the majority of the second half of the race) was too long for me, but for many racers they seemed to revel in the flat.

I did like the stadium start/finish. Service along the route and fans were both good. Fellow runners were chipper and social.

A five-star weekend destination as well for the family whilst you spend half a day suffering.