Edinburgh's Meadows Marathon is something of a classic event in the city now, having taken place for the first time back in 2007. An annual student-run event held in The Meadows, the event's main purpose is to raise funds for charity and since its inception has raised over £238,000.

In 2024 the event will take place on 3 March, so a nice early spring date making it ideal for distance running. But, it's not just a marathon that is on offer as this event also caters to runners looking to cover a little less ground, with 5K, 10K and half marathon distances also offered.

There is also the opportunity to run the marathon as part of a relay team, making it s fun day out for a group of friends or work mates.

Meadows Marathon is an initiative of Edinburgh Students’ Charities Appeal (ESCA). Each academic year, beneficiary charities are chosen and a percentage of all proceeds are split between them. Participants in ESCA's sponsored events, including Meadows Marathon, are encouraged to fundraise for them. This year the charities selected are Fresh Start and Pilton Community Health Project.

Besides the money raised for charity, 327 trees have been planted through the race's partnership with Trees not Tees over the last four years.

In 2023 James Montgomery won the marathon in a time of 2:56:21 while first female was Avril Foster in 3:54:16. The Half Marathon victory was claimed by Dominic Sharkey in 1:17:43 with Barrie Lyell taking the women's title in 1:31. Over in the 10K, Cameron Kemp won in 40:27 and Kirsty Adams was first women and fourth overall in 42:30.

If you'd like to know more, visit the Meadows Marathon website.

Image: Meadows Marathon Facebook