Meadows marathon back on track

Following weeks of uncertainty, council officials have given the go-ahead for the 2009 edition of the Meadows Marathon.

Following the voicing of support by numerous charities, and also by Edinburgh University Students' Union President, Adam Ramsay, the council has decided to give the event the green light.

Supporters also included numerous city councillors.

Meadows Marathon spokeswoman Natasha Heald said: "It would have been such a shame for the event not to go ahead, not only because of the hard work the committee do, but also due to awareness and funds the event raises for charity.

"The event really tries to promote a sense of community and we feel that Meadows Marathon has so many positive effects on the meadows and the local area.

"We also had an impressive amount of support from local councillors, university representatives and charities, proving that the marathon really does have an importance within the local community," said Ms Heald.

Organisers had become increasingly frustrated at the council's refusal to give a decision on the the use of the perimeter of the Meadows for the event.

Council sources suggest the reason for the delay was concerns over potential damage to the grass along the marathon route. 

Assurances from the coordinators of the event, the Edinburgh Student Charity Appeal, that the marathon is restricted to the tarmac surrounding the park, had not elicited a decision by the promised date.

Organisers had feared that the substantial delay would have direct consequences for the planning of the event, the level of participation and ultimately how much money was raised.

Meadows Marathon officials still have their sights set on the record charity fundraising total of almost £50,000 set last year, despite the difficulties posed by the late council approval.

Speaking to The Journal, Ms Heald admitted: "It will be a challenge, but 'challenge' is part of the Meadows Marathon's ethos and we are determined to make this the most successful event yet, in terms of raising a significant amount of money for worthwhile charities, as well as putting on an entertaining, fun and competitive event."

Registration is now open for the half marathon, as well the 5km 'fun run', which children and teams of four to ten can join. Both events take place on 15 March.

In 2008, roughly 800 runners took part, raising over £40,000 for charities worldwide.