FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Its First Come, First Served For The
2009 Albert Bartlett Edinburgh Marathon

Entries for the 2009 Albert Bartlett Edinburgh Marathon opened on 1st
September 2009. After delivering another fantastic event in May this year,
it's expected that entries will grow significantly again for the 2009 event.
Entries for the 2008 marathon saw a dramatic increase from 5,450 entries in
2007 to 10,230 entries in 2008, a remarkable 85% growth.

To ensure that another top quality event is delivered and to ensure that the
runners get another quality experience entries will be capped at 11,500.
This will allow for a modest growth and ensure that a top quality race is
delivered.

Geoff Sims, Chief Executive of the marathon said;

"The Edinburgh Marathon was rated the fastest marathon in Britain in the May
edition of Runners World Magazine and was also rated the best running event
of any distance in Scotland in the February edition of Runner's World
Magazine. We are seeing a major buzz about the event. The Albert Bartlett
Edinburgh Marathon is a must for any runner looking for a quick time or any
runner looking for a great race"

In a change from previous years there will not be a ballot for the 2009
event; entries will be on a first come first served basis so it is advised
that if runners want to guarantee their place they should to enter quickly
after entries open on the 1st September 2008. On the first day entries
opened almost 1,000 people entered.

There will not be an EXPO for the 2009 Albert Bartlett Edinburgh Marathon.
It is hoped that this move will encourage Glasgow and west coast runners to
travel to Edinburgh for the event. In previous years, runners from the west
coast had to travel to Edinburgh for the EXPO on the Friday or Saturday and
then travel back to Edinburgh again for the race on Sunday morning. All
running numbers and timing chips will be posted out allowing west coast
runners just to travel to Edinburgh on race morning.

ASICS have come on board as sportswear sponsor in a three year deal. All
finishers will get a technical ASICS t-shirt in their goodybag. Runners will
also get the chance to purchase dual branded (ASICS/Edinburgh Marathon) top
quality running gear from the ASICS Autumn/Winter Eikoku range on the
Edinburgh Marathon online shop.

The 2009 course will follow the same route as the 2008 marathon with the
start remaining on Regent Road. The fastest marathon in the UK is a must
for anyone looking for a PB.

Entries for the Team Relay grew from 2,120 in 2007 to 3,400 entries in 2008
making total entries for the 2008 marathon and team relay 13,680. Team
Relay entrants will also open on 1st September 2008 and close when 1,000
teams have entered.

For more information on the marathon or to enter the marathon or team relay
please visit www.edinburgh-marathon.co.uk

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