Edinburgh Marathon Festival, 28th May 2023

Sarah Kerr, Jon Hinchmore, Clare McKitterick, Charlotte Johnston and Nina Jensen were all north of the border today, taking part in this years Edinburgh Marathon Festival. Having run it myself last year, I can verify that it’s an attractive and easy course, and a good one for either a PB or a first-timer. Sarah ran a staggeringly fast time in the half, finishing a fantastic 3rd in her age category, and had a few words to share:

“I’ve always wanted to run a half marathon in Scotland, because I’m Scottish and my dad lives in Scotland, so this one really meant something to me.

There was the standard carb-loading the evening before, with Nina who was naturally hardcore, and had opted for the full marathon instead of the half. There was also the standard pre-race stressful moment, when I thought I’d lost my baggage label and the race was an 8am start! Nina was brilliant in helping me find out where I had to go to get a replacement, but I found it anyway. Relief!

Always good to meet a friendly Claremonter at the start, so great to bump into Jon and Clare who both ran really well, as did Nina. I would describe the course as a runner’s dream – lots of downhill, mainly flat, and beautiful; taking you down the cobbled streets, past the castle, and then along by the sea. Would recommend!”

Attempting to steal the limelight somewhat, Nina was completing her 98th marathon, looking surer than ever to hit that magical centenary!

Half-marathon
Position	Runner	Time
215	Sarah Kerr	1:23:56
870	Jon Hinchmore	1:34:46
3495	Clare McKitterick	1:53:36
3668	Charlotte Johnston	1:54:32

Marathon
Position	Runner	Time
3151	Nina Jensen	4:10:34