Runners flooded across the Kilomathon finish-line on a beautifully sunny morning in Edinburgh on Sunday 8 April. The last few steps of their challenge saw participants enter the stunning home straight in BT Murrayfield Stadium as they made their final bid for glory.
The Kilomathon has been given a three-star endorsement by European Athletics Running for All which ensures participants the organisers have met stringent safety and quality checks.
A morning of unique race distances included a 13.1km run from Ocean Terminal to Murrayfield Stadium, passing by the famous Royal Yacht Britannia and the picturesque Victoria Park, before snaking inland on Edinburgh’s tranquil cycle paths.
A PICTURE TELLS A THOUSAND WORDS...
— Kilomathon (@KilomathonScot) April 8, 2018
A huge WELL DONE to each and every one of you who took part in #Kilomathon this morning - incredible efforts all round!
Your results are now online https://t.co/RHs22q6cGc
Time to celebrate your achievement!
Photos ©James Armandary pic.twitter.com/8L9Bj5NYFx
Martin Grove was first home in a time of 46:58, while the first woman home was Mia Lutsch, finishing in a time of 51:25.
Also among the 13.1km finishers was Rhona Tait for who ran for Breast Cancer Care, a charity which has provided her with first hand support.
Rhona said: “On 23 March 2017 I heard the words I never thought I'd hear - I was told I had breast cancer. I made a conscious decision at that moment that cancer would not defeat me and with the ever present support and love from my family and friends I endured surgery and four weeks of radiotherapy. One year on, I'm clear of cancer and live in hope it won't come back.
When I ran Kilomathon last year with my running buddy Jenna (two weeks after my diagnosis and awaiting surgery) I feared I might never run again. It was by far my hardest and longest run to date, but we did it. I’m over the moon to have crossed the finish line again this year without cancer.”
Congratulations to Rhona Tait, pictured with her friend Jenna, for running today’s 13.1K for @BCCare, a charity which has provided her with first hand support.
— Kilomathon (@KilomathonScot) April 8, 2018
Find out more and donate to Rhona’s JustGiving page here: https://t.co/TCkYDnW9WY. pic.twitter.com/FiD69qCDtl
Rhona was joined on the start line by Scott Alexander. Scott’s run was motivated by his step-daughter Louise who has had to endure the unthinkable tragedy of losing five babies in recent years.
Scott said: “SANDS [Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity] helped Louise see she was not alone in having to go through these tragic events. They’ve also helped me and the rest of the family a lot. When a baby is lost, as well as the mother suffering, there is often a whole family behind them suffering too. I really enjoyed the run today and I’m delighted could raise funds for SANDS.”
The Kilomathon also incorporated a 6.5km race which was won by Jonathan Guild in a time of 26:03 with Minnie Brocklesby the first female home in 30:48.
Not long before, the morning’s programme had kicked off with the Mini Kilomathon; a 2.62km run for children aged between 6 and 12 which started and finished in front of Murrayfield’s West Stand.
Event Manager Abi Beautyman said: “We are delighted that Kilomathon continues to draw in runners of all abilities to test themselves over a unique race distance. All of today’s finishers should be incredibly proud of their achievements. Competitive club runners, runners fundraising for charity, and those running for a personal challenge all played their part in an incredible morning here in Edinburgh.
“We hope you all enjoyed the route, the atmosphere, and the epic Murrayfield finish line. We were even graced with beautiful sunshine today. We look forward to seeing you all again next year!”
You can find out more about the event at www.kilomathon.com.
The European Athletics Quality Road Race standards act as an assurance for road runners throughout Europe. They distinguish between races that respect the standards and those that haven’t sought certification or assessment. They form the foundation of Running for All, a strong recognisable brand for running activities throughout Europe.
More information on Running4All:
Website: european-running4all.org
Twitter: @runningforall
Contact: [email protected]