Race preview: Rock ‘n’ Roll Edinburgh Half Marathon - April 15, 2012
Organisers of the UK’s first ever Rock ‘n’ Roll Edinburgh Half Marathon, which is taking place in Edinburgh on the 15th of April 2012, have announced the route for the new race.
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Edinburgh Half Marathon, which is organised by the US based Competitor Group, replaces the ADT Edinburgh Half Marathon and is expected to attract 7,000 entrants giving the city a £8 million boost as runners from all over the world descend on the city to take part in the race which has become a running phenomenon in the USA.
The race will start and finish in Holyrood Park making a loop around the city centre in contrast to the ADT Edinburgh Half Marathon which finished in Musselburgh.
The new race route offers runners a chance to take in some of Edinburgh’s most scenic views including the Meadows, the Mound, the Queen’s Palace at Holyrood, and the Scottish Parliament. The final stretch travels along the Royal Mile with a glimpse of Arthur’s Seat in the background. Runners will also enjoy views of Edinburgh Castle while running downtown, and the Firth of Forth as they pass along the seaside stretch on Portobello Promenade.
Mike James, formerly of the ADT Edinburgh Half Marathon and now Race Director of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Edinburgh Half Marathon, said: “We’ve designed the new route to show off the very best of Edinburgh - lots of our runners will be in the city for the first time and we wanted the route to incorporate its most scenic views. Starting and finishing the race at Holyrood Park will also make it easy for competitors to get to and from the race. The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series is unlike any other running concept and the reception we’ve had so far has been fantastic – the early bird registration rate is available until the end of December so for anyone thinking about taking part, now is the time to sign up!”
Bands will be performing at each mile along the route to keep runners and supporters entertained; and participants are encouraged to get in the festival spirit with fancy dress.
Registration for the race is now open and runners have until the 31st of December to take advantage of the early bird entry rate of £32. Registration is available at http://uk.competitor.com/edinburgh/register.
The Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series was founded by The Competitor Group, one of the world’s largest event organisers, in San Diego in 1998. The race concept fuses music with running to create a high energy series of events across the country that annually attracts more than 450,000 runners a year and has raised over $257m for charity since its launch.
The Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon has been likened to a 13.1 mile block party, drawing both serious runners as well as those looking to have fun keeping fit while experiencing the festival like atmosphere. The event will feature live bands on stages at each mile along the course, a finish line festival with live music and a post-race concert for all participants, volunteers and supporters to celebrate.
Click here for more information on the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series
