Marathon a win-win day for capital

FANCY-DRESS characters pounded the streets of Edinburgh yesterday alongside thousands of conventionally lycra-clad runners.

A Womble warmed to his task and Buzz Lightyear made speedy progress. But it was Superman – actually Ian Sharman, from London – who put in a heroic performance, breaking his own world record for the fastest marathon completed in a novelty costume by finishing in a time of 2hr 50min.

Despite strong winds slowing down even the most experienced athletes by up to ten minutes, Paul McNamara, from Athenry in Ireland, finished first at 2hr 25min. Pauline Powell, of Blackburn Harriers, the fastest woman, ran the 26.2-mile course in 2hr 47min.

This year's event attracted a record 13,558 entrants, racing from Regent Road along the coast to a grandstand finish at Musselburgh Racecourse. Entries had doubled from last year and over 40 per cent more competitors were predicted to have finished in under three hours.

The race also provided a boost for the city's economy, which organisers put at £4 million – up from £1.8 million last year.

Damien O'Looney, Edinburgh Marathon's marketing manager, said: "Everyone who crossed the finish line seemed to be happy. Some were crying tears of joy."

Chris Wilson took the title for fastest Scottish male, coming in at 2hr 29min, and Dianne Lauder, of Gala Harriers, won fastest Scottish female at 3hr 2min.

However, the much-anticipated appearance of 101-year-old runner Buster Martin, who was a hit at this year's London marathon, was cancelled as the centenarian was suffering an arm infection.

At the finish line, competitor Andrew Goldman proposed to his girlfriend, Dr Gina Harrap. Mr Goldman, 27, from Leeds, had been inspired to run the marathon for Macmillan Cancer Support as Dr Harrap works with Macmillan nurses.

After Dr Harrap, 27, accepted his proposal, Mr Goldman, who ran the marathon in 4hr 40min, said: "I'm delighted. It has been a very big day."

A spokesperson for Lothian and Borders ambulance service said just one woman was taken to hospital suffering dehydration.