Only its second running, so still getting it right. This showed in terms of some of the basic organizational issues, such as a shortage of porta-loos and a 20 minute queue to deposit clothes bags. However, overall, not a lot to moan about.

Being Edinburgh, it is naturally very scenic. Main groan about the course is the 2 mile uphill and 1 mile downhill at the very start, as runners climb Arthurs Seat. Why do this? Sign of toughness or lack of imagination? It causes early panic about lousy times and can trigger some over-reaction. After that, a very well planned route that takes in some great views. Adequate water points every 3 miles or so, and good support throughout the run.

A general issue - not specific to Edinburgh - is the increasing combination of relay races. Appreciate that this raises funds and gets people running, but it creates an occasional congestion issue and introduces fresh runners to disillusion the tired!!

Overall, a good and improving marathon, but with a challenging hill right at the start. Great views along most of the route. If nothing else, it's a great excuse to visit an attractive city in the greatest country in the world (not open to challenge or debate!!)

Edinburgh is not a fast course so do not expect a PB. What it does offer is a very interesting course, particularly in the first seven miles. It starts by circling the 300 million year old volcano in Holyrood Park.

It then travels through the lower reaches of Edinburgh's Old Town, beneath the castle and onto Princes Street. From there it winds onto the Royal Mile to descend into the grounds of Holyrood Palace - the Queen's Edinburgh residence.

On leaving the royal park you head down to the Port of Leith, were you may catch a glimpse of Leith Links, reputed to be the first recorded golf course (yes, older than St. Andrews).

The middle portion of the race winds along cycle paths before opening onto the sea front overlooking the Firth of Forth and the famous Forth Rail Bridge. Along the front the wind is most likely to be with you as you head eastwards back to Leith, passing the Queen's Royal Yacht Britannia.

The last few miles leave the shore through residential areas were supporters help you through the pain barrier.

The finish is back into the Holyrood Park with truly stunning scenery.

Would I do it again? Yes!

My idea of a perfect vacation is to visit relatives, travel to interesting places, and then to top it off by running a marathon in a great city! Well, that is what I did a few weeks ago. I travelled to Scotland with my wife and kids to visit relatives (many of whom I had never met before) in Aberdeen, drove around Scotland - visiting places such as Inverness, Oban, Luss, Glencoe, and Edinburgh - and then topped it all off by running in the Syntegra Edinburgh Marathon on Father's Day (June 15).

Edinburgh is a spectacular city, and the organizers of the Syntegra Edinburgh Marathon did a tremendous job in putting together a great event. The weather was virtually perfect as well. This was the first marathon in Edinburgh since 1986, although there was a marathon that went from Fife to Edinburgh in 1999. There were 4,200 entries, but only 2,800 actually ran in the race. The course was spectacular, and offered views of Edinburgh's wonderful attractions. And yes, Edinburgh does have its share of hills!

After departing Meadowbank Stadium, the course took us to Arthur's Seat, Holyrood Park, around Edinburgh Castle, and then on to Portobello Beach (where we would start a 9-mile run along the coast, with wind in our face!), past the Royal Yacht Britannia to Silverknowes Esplanade (mile 18, which began a significant uphill climb), and back to Meadowbank Stadium. In the Stadium, runners were treated to welcome cheers from the assembled masses of spectators. The spectators and volunteers were great!

The organizers hope that this marathon will be a yearly event. I think it easily could be one of the best marathons in 5 years' time! I look forward to participating in this marathon again and again.

Excellent organization around a really tough, hilly route. Goes around some of Edinburgh's most beautiful sites, including the castle and palace. Good runner numbers too, so that there is always space if you want to go faster or to let others pass. Excellent for tourists too!

This year's Edinburgh marathon was a changed course from 2001. This year it starts hard, with a climb up and around Arthurs Seat (an ancient volcano), before taking you on a tour around the castle. Then down to the seaside and a pleasant, flat 8 miles along the shore. Bicycle paths for most of the return provided good shade.

Well organized - starting and finishing in the Medowbank Stadium, home for the Commonweath Games, meant topnotch facilities for both runners and spectators.

My 14th marathon and second Edinburgh. One of the best.

Very well thought-out course. Slow start could have been a bit better, but, as you said in the brochure, excellent views, so it was well worth it in the end. This was my third marathon. Hoping to run again next year.

Whoever said that the Edinburgh Marathon course was euphemistically undulating was spot on. The race could not be faulted though; excellent organization, and not busy enough to prevent a fast time or cause bunching. This race was well and truly over-subscribed and the numbers were about perfect. Signage and water stations were excellent, and the crowd was superb.

I recommend this race especially to international runners looking for a 'different' race, running through a historic and scenic city. I'm 18-years old, and will be doing it again next year.