Press Release - Edinburgh Marathon - 5/20/16

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

            Elites set for quick times at Edinburgh Marathon

Edinburgh, May 20, 2016 - Some of the world's fastest marathon runners will 
take to the streets of Edinburgh and East Lothian this weekend for the 2016 
Edinburgh Marathon. 

Exciting elite fields have emerged for both the men and the women as 
Edinburgh continues to establish itself as one of the world's leading 
marathons. Athletes from across the globe will descend upon the Scottish 
capital looking to drop some quick times in this Olympic year. 

In the men's field, Peter Wanjiru of Kenya will start as favourite after 
his victory at 2015 Edinburgh Marathon; he will be looking to improve on 
his 2:12 personal best . Fellow Kenyan, Boaz Kiprono who also has a best of 
2:12 could challenge; Kiprono has had previous success on British soil 
having stormed to victory at the Bournemouth Marathon last year. American 
Chris Zablocki should also not be discounted, the 2:15 runner will take to 
the start line in Edinburgh having already run three marathons this year 
and looking to improve on his season's best of 2:18. 

The fastest entrant the women's elite field is Ukranian Olena Burkovska 
with a PB of 2:27 but she will face stiff competition from Kenyans Hildah 
Cheboi and Eddah Jepkosgei. Dunblane-based Hungarian marathon runner Fanni 
Gyurko could also feature as she aims to go under 2:40.  

Abi Beautyman, Edinburgh Marathon Festival Elite Coordinator, looked ahead 
to what should be an exciting battle at the front of the race: "We're 
excited to see who will come out on top with some really strong runners in 
both the men's and women's fields. The course is quick and we're hopeful 
for some good running conditions which should lend itself to some fast 
times."

Neil Kilgour, Edinburgh Marathon Festival race director, added: "Scotland 
is preparing to welcome the world to the this amazing city and we look 
forward to delivering another outstanding Edinburgh Marathon Festival that 
the nation will be proud of.  We as a team are already proud of the effort 
put in by all of our EMF 2016 runners as they work hard to prepare for the 
big day. In our eyes, every EMF runner is elite and we value every runner's 
contribution to the festival in equal measure. It's great to have another 
stellar elite field this year, cementing Edinburgh's status as a premier 
global marathon with genuine world class runners spearheading the race.”

Second only to London in terms of size in the UK, the Edinburgh Marathon 
Festival takes place in Scotland's capital city Edinburgh and continues 
through East Lothian. There are seven races on offer, guaranteeing there is 
something for everyone from the seasoned runner to the charity fundraiser 
and beginners. The fun kicks off on Saturday 28th May at Holyrood Park with 
a 10K, 5K and two junior races. On Sunday 29th May, the Edinburgh marathon, 
half marathon and team relay starts from the heart of Edinburgh and 
continues through East Lothian offering stunning views and an unforgettable 
running experience.

You can find out more information on the website at 
www.edinburghmarathon.com 


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