2,000 Enjoy Kilomathon Sun
Runners enjoyed a brilliant grandstand finish at yesterday's Kilomathon in Edinburgh with over 2,000 appreciating a sunny morning after March's atrocious weather. The event has three distances but it is the 13.1K run that is the feature with an Ocean Terminal to Murrayfield Stadium route, passing the Royal Yacht Britannia and heading through picturesque Victoria Park, before snaking inland on Edinburgh’s quiet cycle paths.
Martin Gore was first home in a time of 46:58 seconds, while the fastest woman was Mia Lutsch (51:25). Robin Barnes was the mid-point runner in 1:15:19 and the field closed on 2:21:58.
Also among the 13.1K 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.”
You can find out more and donate at Rhona’s JustGiving page.
Kilomathon also incorporated a 6.5K race which was won by Jonathan Guild in a time of 26:03, with Minnie Brocklesby the first female home in a time of 30:48.
Not long before, the morning’s programme had kicked off with the Mini Kilomathon; a 2.62K run for kids aged 6-12, starting and finishing in front of Murrayfield’s West Stand.
The overall race, was won by Alex Porteous in a time of 09:29. The first female home was Zoe Wagstaff in a time of 10:34.
Nine-year-old Caitlin Cooper was also among the finishers, completing her run for the event’s official charity, Cancer Research UK. She was understandably buzzing at the finish line, commenting: “It was really fun, I didn’t expect to run that quick!”
Caitlin’s dad Graeme, who cheered her across the line, explained: “Caitlin is an all round sporty little girl, it was actually her idea to run for charity at Kilomathon. We picked CRUK because two of Caitlin’s grandparents passed away after falling ill with cancer. We fully support her and hope she continues to run and fundraise as she gets older.”
You can find out more and donate at Caitlin’s JustGiving page.
Abi Beautyman, event manager said: “We’re 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."
