Great Edinburgh Run 2015: Route, Course Map, Times, Morrisons Event Details
Thousands of runners will take to the streets of one of the most picturesque cities in the United Kingdom this weekend for the Great Edinburgh run.
Having been launched in 2005, the tenth annual edition of this event will see circa 5,000 competitors look to tackle the 10-mile course around the Scottish capital. The calibre of the athletes involved will range from those tackling their first-ever competitive distance up to an elite standard of runner.
Here’s all the information you need ahead of the race and a closer look at what to expect when the action gets underway on Sunday.
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| 8:30 a.m. | Site Open (Baggage, toilets, catering concessions & information point |
| 9 a.m. | Start Assembly Area Open (PA system active) |
| 9:20 a.m. | Warm-up starts |
| 9:30 p.m. | Start of Morrisons Great Edinburgh Run (elite athletes, club runners and orange wave) |
| 9:40 a.m. | Start of white wave (and start of Team Relay) |
| 9:50 a.m. | Start of pink wave |
| 11 a.m. | Elite Medal Presentations (male and female) |
| 1:30 p.m. | Start of Morrisons Mini Great Edinburgh Run |
| 2:15 p.m. | Start of Morrisons Junior Great Edinburgh Run |
Click here for course map and information.
5,000 Competitors to Take to Edinburgh Roads
The Great Edinburgh run has grown in prestige ever since it appeared on the distance-running calendar a decade ago. A 10-mile distance represents an intriguing challenge, too, especially for those athletes hoping to graduate from 10 kilometre races up toward half-marathon and marathon disciplines.
It's also a wonderful opportunity to explore the minutiae of one of the most iconic cities on the planet, as noted by Scottish athlete Andrew Lemoncello:
The race begins at Holyrood Palace before winding back towards the City centre, past the National Gallery of Scotland, through the grounds of Edinburgh Castle and finishing back at the Palace. As such, it’s an incredible backdrop for those looking to take part in this prestigious event.
But there will be a host of athletes who won’t have time to stop and sample the scenery, as they bid to be first past the finishing line. Lemencello is one man who will have his eyes on the prize and after winning the event in 2013—the last year the race was ran at a shorter 10-kilometre distance—he is keen on seizing back his crown, per the event’s official website:
"Things have been going well in training and I'm looking forward to coming back over for the Morrisons Great Edinburgh Run. I love Edinburgh. It's an amazing city. If I was ever to move back to Scotland, that's probably where I would want to live.
It's a great opportunity for me to race in Scotland again and it will give me a good feel for where I am fitness-wise. It'll really kick off the season for me.
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Another local hope will be competing in the women’s event, with 21-year-old Rhona Auckland—a student at the University of Edinburgh—looking to back up her strong performance in last weekend’s IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Guiyang with a big display on some familiar streets this weekend.
Given the quality of athletes set to take part in the event, she’ll have to turn in a stunning performance if she’s going to earn a medal, but, speaking to the event’s official website, she admitted it's a race she is looking forward to nonetheless.
"I do love running in Edinburgh so it's an ideal race for me," Auckland said. "I’ve been told that the course is hilly and not to worry too much about the time but I'm really looking forward to it."
In addition to the standard races for men and women, this year the organisers have allowed competitors to take part in a two-person relay. As such, one runner will tackle the undulating opening 4.75-mile sections, while the second will be tasked with negotiating the final 5.25 miles, which are comparably flatter.
Taking part in what looks like a formidable team will be two-time Olympian Helen Clitheroe and Scottish Commonwealth Games star Susan Partridge. Meanwhile, in the men's event, brothers Derek and Callum Hawkins—who both competed in distance events at Glasgow 2014—will be linking up in search of glory.
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