FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cure The Ballot Blues -
Entries Are Still Open For the Edinburgh Marathon 2014

STAR in Scotland's most spectacular sporting year - that's the invitation
runners who were unsuccessful in the Virgin Money London Marathon ballot
received today.

Organisers of the Edinburgh Marathon Festival revealed an instant cure for
the ballot blues by offering disappointed fitness fans a place in
Scotland's largest running event instead. Entries are still open for the
Edinburgh Marathon on May 25 2014. The big day in EDINBURGH is only SIX
weeks after London which means runners working towards a training schedule
designed for London should still be in peak fitness for the race of their
life in Scotland instead.

The Edinburgh Marathon will kick off an extraordinary year of sport across
the country with a line-up that includes the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow
in July and golf's 40th Ryder Cup at Gleneagles in September. With its fast
and flat route, the marathon in Scotland's capital city is among the
fastest in the world and a perfect choice for runners chasing a personal
best. And Edinburgh was recently voted the second best destination in the
UK for a city marathon, behind only London and ahead of Brighton, Dublin,
Liverpool, as well as Manchester.

Neil Kilgour, Edinburgh Marathon Festival director said: "We're there for
you, particularly if you have been unlucky in the London marathon ballot."

"We look forward to delivering another outstanding Edinburgh Marathon
Festival that the nation will be proud of. Now is the time to make 2014
your year. If you've been training well, but been unlucky not to win a
place in the London ballot then all is not lost. The Edinburgh Marathon
Festival is only six weeks later so it's a natural alternative. When one
door closes, another opens. Come join us in the UK's other world class
Marathon event. There really couldn't be a better time to plan a trip to
Scotland."

With runners from more than 100 countries expected to take part, the
Edinburgh Marathon Festival is an ideal way to showcase the capital at its
very best and compliments a year-long programme of Homecoming events
designed to showcase Scotland around the world.

The Edinburgh Marathon joined the world's elite road races last year by
becoming the first race in Scotland to be officially recognised by the
IAAF, the athletics governing body. The IAAF bronze label puts the race
among the top 75 in the world making it a pivotal part of the sporting
calendar for runners.

The Edinburgh Marathon Festival, which in 2014 will be in its 12th year,
takes place in Scotland's capital city Edinburgh and continues through East
Lothian. There are eight 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 May 24 at Holyrood Park with a
10k, 5K and two junior races. On Sunday May 25, 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.

It has had an economic impact of more than £25 million for Scotland's
capital and helped raise more than £30 million for hundreds of charities.
Together with the Edinburgh Marathon Festival's Official Charity, Macmillan
Cancer Support, organisers are hoping to break all previous records and
raise even more in 2014.

Entries are open for the Edinburgh Marathon Festival on May 24 and 25,
2014. Just go to the website www.edinburgh-marathon.com and like the
Edinburgh Marathon Festival Facebook page.

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