Edinburgh MarathonHere's how RW members rated this race (1532 votes). 2006 race reviewed by: Anne Robinson 2
 | | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Really Friendly and big enough to feel special
In full: This was my first marathon therefore I can't compare, But I have to say the support from the crowd made it very special. I was offered chopped bananas, jelly babies and jaffa cakes from random onlookeers, and the hosepipe sprinklers in the last two miles or so were really appreciated.The drinks stations were excellent and frequent enough. As for the hills, I don't really remember any nasty ones so they can't have been much at all. This race used to have a reputation as being a hilly one but the course has apparently changed a bit in the last couple of years, making it flatter and faster. I'd definately do it again.
Date of review: June 14, 2006
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2006 race reviewed by: Simon Smith 21
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 40% |
In short: Worthwhile race but not enough to pull me back to do it again
In full: Edinburgh is without doubt one of the most attractive cities in Europe, so was somewhat baffled that much of the course was pretty dull - can't get too excited about running past McDonalds to be honest with you.It seems apparent that the Race organisers tried really hard. They can't be faulted for endeavour, and I wish them the very best of luck in their ongoing efforts to position the race firmly in the running calendar. I would still say they have some way to go to achieving this for me. The cost makes you think twice, and some aspects of the day were not quite what I would have expected or hoped for. Mile markers were not easy to spot, and the toilet facilities were inadequate at the start (although made worse by idiot spectators/friends etc queuing also. Sorry guys - thanks for your support, but if you want to hold me up from having a pee, get a vest on and then run 26 miles please). Relay event was well intentioned, but a little chaotic at times. As other comments have noted, I didn't take kindly to these runners weaving around the marathoners erratically - could have been dangerous in latter stages when I for one was suffering in the heat. I seem to recall we were promised pipes at the start - did I miss them whilst I was queuing for the loo? Expo was a bit of a con I'm afraid. Don't drag me out to Leith for an hour and then give me my number at the start but then make sure I walk past all the stalls before I can collect my goodie bag. I'm not a mug, I'll buy something if I want to without being herded into it like a sheep thanks. Sounds like I'm moaning, but there were some strong plus points. Can't fault the quality of the water stations, all adequately stocked for a really hot day and well manned. A big thank you to to all the race volunteers (one of whom was my wife). Can I ask all runners to seriously ask their partners and friends to help out at big events like this in the future - Lord knows the race couldn't go on without them. And thanks to the 2 lads who had been out on the course since 4 in the morning getting things ready - hats off to you. Crowd support was also great,especially in the estates towards the end of the race. You helped me make it through. Like I say, probably wouldn't do this one again as life is too short and there are too many other races to try - but I so wish you the very best of luck. Scotland and Edinburgh are special places, and I hope this race soon more than matches them.
Date of review: June 14, 2006
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2006 race reviewed by: Andy Peck
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 40% |
In short: The main bonus of this race is Edinburgh it's self and it's locals
In full: Nothing anyone can do about the weather,last year it rained !.Sorry to say but as a slower runner i do not enjoy being overtaken by a spotty twenty year old student who has only ran a mile while i am struggling at nineteen !.
I travelled up from Norfolk which i know is not the the other side of the world, but why do runners from a long way away need to then travel to an expo ?.Is this some attempt to get runners to part with their money ! i think so,so i did'nt spend.It took away any chance i had of visiting any of the sites of Edinburgh ( i can only get so much time off work ).The next time i go to Edinburgh it will be to visit these places, not to run this marathon i am sad to say.
Thanks to the marshalls and a big thanks to the locals for the showers in the later parts of the run,i think some parts of Edinburgh must have a hose pipe ban in place !
Date of review: June 14, 2006
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2006 race reviewed by: The Shambling Wreck
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Good race for beginners - scenery and support excellent.
In full: This was my first marathon I was expecting to run 4.15-4.30 and managed 3.51 which I was over the moon with.
Thought the organisation was good, and the course description accurate althought the gentle hills at the end seemed steep after 22 miles.
The support from the crowds was fantastic and I particularly appreciated the hose-pipes, jelly-babies and jaffa cakes in the closing stages.
Thought it was good that the relay runners had a sign on their backs, as otherwise think it would have been despressing as they passed you.
On the down side found the DJ at the start irratating and it was a bit of a pain having to go to Ocean terminal the day before to register. - my son was very appreciative of the plastic parashootist.
Overall a fantastic day and would like to do it again some-time in the future.
Date of review: June 14, 2006
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2006 race reviewed by: Banana split
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 20% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: The city itself makes this one worth doing- but its pricey
In full: Organisation is pretty good in general. Hope the event continues as Edinburgh and Scotland deserves a big city marathon.
. mile markers need to be correct
. more toilets at start.
Date of review: June 14, 2006
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2006 race reviewed by: Shane Quinn 2
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: The organisation and crowd were ok. Few hills, but nothing to challenging
In full: It was a warm day. The hills on the last few miles were hard work. The support were good in places but non existent in others. Didn't like running thru' tourists after mile 20. The hose pipes were a dream come through.
Date of review: June 14, 2006
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2006 race reviewed by: No Way Out (M.)
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Wonderful Scenic Route: Architecture, Seaside, Extinct Volcanoes, City, Countryside
In full: A City Marathon with great potential. To be great there needs to be attention to the detail:-
Many people travelled long distances for this marathon and this should be kept in mind.
*No pins with number - have them in a pot at the expo.
*Bigger Kit bag - London's is about 4 times the size and for good reason.
*More toilets at the beginning
*Better visible mile markers
*What about some pipers at the start.. this is Scotland!
*The goody bag should be good and relevant or don't bother..a toy parachutist?
*Confusion as to where to go at the end - runners are very tired and it was very cramped at the finish.
Date of review: June 14, 2006
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2006 race reviewed by: David Parry 6
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 40% |
In short: Hilly and Hot
In full: Much more hilly than the race was marketed and would have changed training accordingly. Mile markers were a joke. Overall thoroughly enjoyed - great atmosphere.
Date of review: June 14, 2006
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2006 race reviewed by: Don Maclean
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Race with future potential of being a big ebent in the running calendar
Date of review: June 14, 2006
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2006 race reviewed by: Graeme Fergusson
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Second time doing it and much improved on last year - organisation and support much stronger. Very hot day but plenty of fluid stations this year, much improved and with a big sponsor this could become a strong race.
Date of review: June 14, 2006
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