With 286 finishers and happy faces all round the inaugural Innocent Half Marathon (25 February) was guilty of being nothing other than a huge success for organisers, Blast Running. 

Speaking after the event, a Blast Running spokesperson said: "Today was the inaugural Innocent Half and a huge well done to each and every one of you who ran as it is a tough and challenging route with over 1000ft of climb. We were so lucky with the weather with hardly a breath of wind at the shore line."

Those taking part enjoyed a picturesque route as they ran around Dalmeny Estate, finishing at the pier by South Queensferry. Participants were quick to praise the event on social media with Kenny Neilson commenting: "Another brilliant event from Blast with phenomenal marshals and support in exactly the right places. Thank you to everyone involved."

Shelley Hogg concurred: "This was brilliant today. I loved the tough course and the weather was perfect. Thanks for organising this. Marshalls and fellow runners were all so friendly and supportive."

The gender ratio was 167 males to 111 female finishers, 44 runners were members of running clubs and 242 were runners who don’t run for a running club. The course record was set at a very high standard by Patryk Kasperek crossing the line in 1:20:04 for the men and Catriona Probert in 1:27:02 for the women.

Eion O’Keefe of St Finbars AC was second in the mens race with a time of 1:20:41 while third place went to Hugh Porter in 1:21:01. Second place in the womens race was claimed by Catherine Cowie in 1:32:11 with the podium completed by Kathy Henly in 1:32:56.

In case you wondered about the name, the race is ‘Innocent’ as it fundraises for three children’s charities – Richmond’s Hope, Kidney Kids Scotland and Firefly International.

Image: Blast Running Facebook/Michael Philp Photos ​​​​​​​