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May 4, 2024

Edinburgh Marathon Runner Comments

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Course 3.9

Organization 3.2

Spectators 3.8

Number of comments: 97 [displaying comments 31 to 41]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 10 > ]

Eugene Nyunt from London, England. (6/5/2009) "Love is here to stay!" (about: 2009) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Edinburgh Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 My first Edinburgh Marathon, and one that won't be my last. There wasn't an expo as such, especially for runners from Scotland, England, or Wales; no after-marathon party either, as in Berlin. Just a good, quiet time to prepare for a reasonably flat course. It was very hot on the day of the race, and water and fuel were apparently stolen beforehand. However, my own personal observation was that only the usual stampede at water stops occurred, nothing more (although there possibly might have been more of these refreshment points considering the well-forecasted sunny weather predicted for the Scottish capital). Late along the route, the pole of a mile marker had swung into the road, and with varying styles the billowing flap of fabric was dodged by most of us who had made it this far. The final run towards the finish made us pass along some slightly unpleasant plastic boards. These might have been quite strange to have chosen, but having run the half-marathon this year as well - where runners just plodded along turf - the feeling was considerably better on these heavy plastic things, especially after the increased distance and the awful weather dehydrating most of us. "I'll be back" - maybe not next year, but possibly the year after.
R. R. from Norway (6/5/2009) "Fantastic" (about: 2009) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Great course for my first marathon. The organization was also great; they ran out of water at one water post, but it seems like this was due to some idiots stealing it. The spectators were terrific, and I'm very pleased with it all. I will probably return next year.
J. V. from Co Durham, England (6/2/2009) "Yet again, a brilliantly organized event" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 4-5 Edinburgh Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I expect that there was enough water provided for everyone's drinking needs, but perhaps not for head-watering. I wonder how much of the shortage was due to runners taking more than one bottle at a time? A fabulous course with brilliant supporters. Thanks again, Edinburgh.
karen mortimer from glasgow (6/2/2009) "A day i will never forget!!" (about: 2009) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first-ever marathon, and I'm so glad that I chose Edinburgh. There was loads of support, and I never felt alone on the course. The various helpers and staff were amazing, and finishing up in the racecourse made it all worth it. The last half-mile was such a rush! It's definitely a day to remember!!
P. E. from Derby, England (6/2/2009) "Thank God for the spectators" (about: 2009) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Edinburgh Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon, and the main factor in deciding to run in Edinburgh was the fact it was billed as "The UK's fastest marathon." Big mistake. It may well have the fastest course, but the organization was pathetic. I was on target for a sub-4-hour time until we reached Gosford House. The combination of a gravel surface after 17 miles of tarmac, and then finding out the water stations had run out after 19 miles (in the midday sun) killed me. Were it not for the locals who came out with the hosepipes and the spectators helping out, then God only knows what would have happened. Around 12,000 may have started this race, but only 8,257 finished. I finished the course in 4:40, and glad to be in one piece. I wouldn't recommend this race to my worst enemy. The extremely hot weather had been predicted for over a week, and not to have enough water is unforgivable. We then had the race director in the press saying, "Some fun runners went without water, but it was a triumph." Clowns. The people of Edinburgh deserve much better than this.
Andrew Aislabie from Barnard Castle, England. (6/2/2009) "Overall, a disappointing experience." (about: 2009) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Edinburgh Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 I was really looking forward to running Edinburgh, having done Boston 6 weeks earlier, but I couldn't believe it when the stations ran out of water. The weather forecast was accurate, and it was a hot and sunny day - not ideal conditions for everyone running a marathon. Let's face it; we aren't all amazing athletes, and just when we needed fluids, there weren't any. I think the organizers should have had a contingency plan for the weather and added additional water stations, or at least made sure that there was plenty for everyone. Apart from the above, the course was excellent, the scenery was fantastic, and the supporters towards the end were amazing. If the organization were better, I would do it again.
George McBean from Edinburgh UK (6/2/2009) "My seventh EM in a row, and my worst experience." (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 6+ Edinburgh Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 5 Being a fan and supporter of the Edinburgh Marathon since it began, and now having run all seven of these events, it pains me to be critical. But for the sake of constructive criticism, and for future events, here goes. For most runners who were not in the first half of the pack, the first water stop was completely dry (as runners reached Pilrig Park). They had, of course, no choice but to carry on. It was additionally demoralizing later to find that there were also dry stops between mile 16 and mile 21, where volunteers with radios were telling people to walk for their own safety in the heat. This caused many people, including myself, to give up on the max effort one comes prepared to give in such events. People were openly critical. I feel the event suffered a little from the rapid increase in numbers from 13,000 last year to 17,000 this year. For the future, it is important that the distribution of enough water for every runner to EVERY stop has to be a priority. (It was no consolation to run into some stops and see stacks of water standing unopened... nor to see policemen on motor bikes carrying packets of water past you to a stop you had just found dry). I would also like to add a word about the travel arrangements back into the city. Bus stops for the much-praised (in email newsletters) Lothian buses were packed with runners, many of whom, already numbed and subdued by the event, had to wait hours. Clearly the organizers need to do some simple math, and if the number of people who book special return buses is thousands fewer than the total count of runners, then both participants and Lothian buses should be warned that thousand may be stranded. It's no good to suggest the Lothian bus service on a Sunday is adequate. Taxi drivers were asking for £30 for a trip into the city center (twice what is normal), and so many of them were asking this price that it bordered on a conspiracy for desperate runners and their families. The road were clogged with cars - again a sign that an increase in runners brings with it an increase in family members who might want to spectate. The potential for the Edinburgh Marathon to attract many more runners is very good. The course is spectacular. The public, roadside homeowners, and support staff were great. But this year's run experienced difficulties that should not be ignored. There were many shattered PB dreams this year, possibly only appreciated by fellow runners who have put months into training and who expect high standards on the course. It was not all down to the heat - only the organizers know if they had enough volunteers lined up, and if the distribution to the stops was mis-managed. I'd like to think that the people in the 4-6-hour category of the run are as important as those at the front part of the pack, and as the numbers of runners increase, I hope the organizers will pay more attention to detail to get them to the finish line - and then back home - in more comfort than they did this year.
s. f. from Worcstershire (6/2/2009) "Lack of distance markers" (about: 2009) First Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 I didn't see any mile markers until the 12th mile in, and then none again until the 18th. It would have been good to know how far you were against your time!!! Brilliant day, though.
F. S. from Edinburgh (6/2/2009) "Running out of water" (about: 2009) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Edinburgh Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 4 Overall, the course was nice. I understand that weather was hot, but the forecast was there since Friday. How could they run out of water at mile 19? The sign was on at mile 3, where they ran out of water. Cups of water and spoages would have been better than bottles. No point in having water at the end when you needed out in that heat.
Linda Barclay from Aberdeen, Scotland (6/2/2009) "1st marathon ever, yippee" (about: 2009) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Edinburgh Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 The 2009 Edinburgh Marathon was a great experience for me. The weather was extremely hot. People were dropping like flies at some points. The lack of water at some stations did not help. Thanks to the people of Edinburgh, who came out with cups of cold water. Some even had crystal glasses! How great was that? I had to keep focused, as I was running for a sister and brother, Lynne and Keith Jamieson, who both sadly died of Huntington's Disease. Along the way we heard the voices of angels singing, and also the two bands. Thanks for that. We even had a dance together at the disco. I hope no one filmed that, ha ha. Having said all of that, it was a great experience for me and my friends. There are bound to be hiccups along the way, but as long as they are not repeated next year, it's fine. I would like to thank all of the volunteers for their support and help along the way. Thank you, Edinburgh, for a great day. - Linda Barclay

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