www.meadowsmarathon.org.uk
Event preview: The Meadows Marathon - Scotland, March 4, 2012
Registration for one of Scotland's biggest running and fundraising events is now open. The Meadows Marathon 2012 sees the return of the 5.6km fun run and half marathon to the Meadows on Sunday 4th March 2012 and also introduces a full marathon for the first time, open to all those predicting sub-4-hour times.
As well as being great training for those running in the Edinburgh or London Marathons, the Meadows Marathon is a fun event that welcomes all abilities and ages, providing under 16's are accompanied by an adult. The full marathon is £25 to enter and the half marathon and fun run are £15 - very reasonable rates, largely because the organisers are eager for as many runners as possible to raise vast amounts of money for charity!
Fancy dress is more than welcome to; in the past there has been three-legged runners, blindfolded runners, people lugging water barrels - the list goes on. All crazy ideas are considered but must be cleared by the organisers before the day.
The organisers, all of whom are student volunteers, hope to more than double the amount of runners taking part in the event this year, with 2000 runners the proposed target. It's not just about how many runners can be squeezed into the event though.
Raising money for charity is optional but is strongly encouraged because, as a fundraising event, it is hoped as many people as possible can be helped by the monies raised. Runners can make an optional donation to charity if they're not fundraising.
Last year over 800 runners raised nearly £40,000 for a number of different charities based in Edinburgh and beyond. It is £15 to enter the marathon but runners are prompted to set up a Virgin Money Just Giving page to raise funds for a charity of their choice. There are lots of suggestions on the Meadows Marathon website too.
After listening to feedback from the previous Meadows Marathon, this year's event will have better entertainment, including a concert in Bristo Square and a new streamlined registration system is in place, making sign-up quicker and easier. Early sign-up for event is recommended.
The Meadows Marathon 2012 merchandise is also available during sign-up. Merchandise is cheap but it has a very important role for spreading the Meadows Marathon message as it is a great way to tell people about the event by wearing one of the hoodies or t-shirts, perhaps while training in the Meadows itself. No commission is taken on the merchandise and it is conveniently mailed to those who purchase it.
For further information check out the event website: www.meadowsmarathon.org.uk
