More than 2000 runners took part in Kilomathon on Sunday 20th March. On a gloriously sunny morning in Edinburgh, runners set off from Ocean Terminal before heading past the famous Royal Yacht Britannia and then on to the legendary home of Scottish Rugby – BT Murrayfield Stadium.
David Limmer from Portobello Running Club raced to the finish line at Murrayfield Stadium in 44 minutes and 27 seconds to win the 13.1K. The Kilomathon events are metric equivalents of the marathon distances with Sunday’s races being a half Kilomathon of 13.1K, a quarter of 6.55K and a 2.62K race for junior runners.
Edinubrgh AC’s Gillian Palmer was the first woman home, completing the 13.1K in 49 minutes and four seconds.
Kilomathon also featured a 6.55K race, won in 26 minutes and 41 seconds by Iain Craven, also from Edinburgh AC. The first female past the post in the 6.55K race was Lucy Johnston in a time of 29 minutes and 34 seconds.
Dozens of youngsters took part in the 2.62K Mini Kilomathon race today with Gregor Collins from Gala Harriers the first male and winner of the overall race in a time of nine minutes and 15 seconds. The first junior female home was Katie Johnson in a time of nine minutes and 39 seconds.
Alistair Smith from Edinburgh finished third in the 13.1K in a time of 47 minutes and 38 seconds. The 39-year-old certainly caught the eye, running in a nurse’s uniform as part of his preparation for the London Marathon in April where he plans to break the Guinness World Record for the fastest ever male marathon runner in a nurse’s uniform. Alistair will also be raising money for MS-UK. Clad with sweat after the race, he described the outfit as “not the most wicking” but is hoping that won’t stop him from racing into the record books in London in a few weeks’ time.
Meanwhile, Tracy Watt was running for SANDS Lothian in her fourth Kilomathon. She was running in memory of her son Lewis, who died 25 years ago from Spina Bifida. Tracy ran a personal best time of one hour, nine minutes and 47 seconds and was understandable delighted.
Definitely among the most scenic race series in the UK, the 13.1K race started at Ocean Terminal with panoramic views across the Firth of Forth before runners headed inland, eventually reaching the unforgettable finish next to the west stand at BT Murrayfield Stadium.
Sandra Scott, Kilomathon Event Manager, said: “We were extremely lucky with the weather this morning and that only added to what was an amazing event. It was fantastic to see so many happy faces at the finish line. Congratulations to everyone that took part and we hope to see you again next year.”
You can find out more about the event at www.kilomathon.com.
