Edinburgh MarathonHere's how RW members rated this race (1467 votes). 2005 race reviewed by: Tall Not Fast
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Edinburgh should feel proud of a well organised race on a beautiful and varied course. And 6000 runners is perfect -- a few narrow spots, but generally plenty of room to run (especially compared to NY or London).
In full: As a New Yorker transplanted to London, I really enjoyed this race -- even though I screwed up my training and didn't quite manage the time I would have liked. Overall the organisation is great (did you ever get to a race start and feel there were enough toilets? And at least you don't have to be there hours early...). If the last third of the course is not that scenic (at least compared to the first 2/3), I don't think many of us are noticing scenery at that point. One last thought -- the volunteers and officials were great -- a huge number of them, very supportive, and obviously always there when someone needed help. Thanks to all of them!
Date of review: June 13, 2005
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2005 race reviewed by: Katypie
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 20% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: 3rd time on the course that has definitely been made easier. Start was a bit chaotic, not enough loos or space. Managed the realy much better and I didn't feel it intruded on the marathon at all. Will be back, oh and 43 mins off last years time
In full: I know Edinburgh is more expensive and people thought the expo wasn't that great (it wasn't really) but ITS NOT London. I am sure if we turn the clocks back 22 yrs London made its mistakes too.
As a local I feel proud to take part and think we need to get behind it.
Date of review: June 12, 2005
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2005 race reviewed by: sheepcounter
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 20% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Would rather have been in Glasgow (but I'm a Weegie)
In full: I have to admit first that I only ran the relay and not the full Marathon. The course is fairly tough towards the finish with a steady climb up the hill for the last 3 miles.
The marathon relay was not especially well organised. Relay runners were charge £20 each (£100 for the team) for which we got our goodie bag, but very little support and info. We had no information about how the change overs would work - although in practice they worked pretty smoothly (as long as the run being handed on to was there to run). We were charged extra if we wanted to use the bus service to the change over points, and the map to help you find where the change over points were was somewhat vague.
In general there seemed to be a reasonable amount of local support out cheering runners on, but the field itself was quite quiet and subdued.
There are probably better reasons to come to Edinburgh than this marathon (as the Weggie joke goes: the train to Glasgow!) However, this marathon is still young (an should get better with age and experience), gets in several of the city's big sites and Glasgow is less than 50 mins on the train when you are finished.
Also if they can fix the weather for the future that would be fantastic. The mix of heavy showers and baking heat wasn't the best.
Date of review: June 12, 2005
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2005 race reviewed by: EdinburghKev
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 40% |
In short: No family meeting point at the end of the race, a bit cramped at the end also. Walkers could have moved to the side, a bit of a pest when they hold you up on a narrow path.
Date of review: June 12, 2005
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2005 race reviewed by: madgreenbird
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: THE up and coming marathon
In full: Brillant organisation especially at the water stops, relay change overs etc. Also the marshalls & supporting crowds were inspirational. The course varies from the scenic park and Princess street with the castle to the sea side.
Furthermore, the organisers seem to have taken on board the feedback with regards to the course, and the new course seems to have helped dramatically.
My only gripes are more toilets particularly at the start and benches / seats in the changing over.
However, enjoyable marathon and ideal for a first timers like me!
Well done and thanks to the organisers for a great event
Date of review: June 12, 2005
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2005 race reviewed by: lillywhitered
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: good, but could be better
In full: Good race ,spoiled by some poor planning. why was everything at the start/end so crampt Hollyrood park is massive so make better use .Toilets a bit sparse .Course not as hard as expected except last 2-3 miles but still managed to take 6 mins of pb, despite getting cramp at 17 miles .Will do again, but hopefully will be better organised
Date of review: June 12, 2005
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2005 race reviewed by: JohnRobson
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 20% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: The hills. the hills!
In full: Some killer hills in the last 6 miles that you just don't need! Organisation seemed fine to me with the exception of the lack of toilets but I managed to beat the rush. First few miles round city were great, and the coast was ok but got a little bit boring after a while. When all said and done I knocked 56 mins of my London 2002 time in my 2nd marathon (will probably be another 3 years to the next one, hence the "No" to would you do it again!
Date of review: June 12, 2005
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2005 race reviewed by: Goiridh
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 20% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Managed to shave a chunk off PB, didn't expect that due to 'undulting'course but the'hills' weren't actually that bad. Virtually no Loos at the start though!
Date of review: June 12, 2005
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2004 race reviewed by: boy wonder
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: chaos at the start
In full: walkers less than a mile from the start on narrow road now told to move to the side so held everyone else up. very abusive when you tried to squeeze past. £39 this year 2005 you must be joking !!
Date of review: March 8, 2005
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2004 race reviewed by: Clive Trusson
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: makes for a good weekend break
In full: really scenic around Edinburgh and down to the coast, but then depressingly dull and shadowy back from Leith to the city. centre
Date of review: December 31, 2004
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