Runners turn out in numbers for Meadows marathon

Sunday 15 March saw runners from far and wide congregate at Bristo square for the third annual Meadows marathon.

Some 730 participants, including students, local residents, charity workers and club runners, took part in the thirteen mile fundraiser, which began at Bristo Square and comprised a total of seven laps around the meadows, before returning to its starting point at the end.

Race winner Gareth Mayze crossed the finish line in an impressive 1 hour and 16 minutes, whilst 22-year-old student Tom Clough, running on behalf of the British Heart Foundation came up trumps in the five kilometre race which was also held on the day.

The half-marathon was characteristically coloured by a number of inventive costumes, including salmon, Smurfs, giraffes and condoms. However, the title of best costume was awarded to a trio of runners from the charity Scottish Love in Action (SLA), who combined to form an elaborately designed Loch Ness Monster.

As well as contributing to the festivities with a sophisticated form of fancy dress, SLA, who were raising money for children’s orphanages in India, were singled out for recruiting a total of 70 runners, 30 of whom headed north from Durham University.

Although the official figures are yet to be confirmed, the Meadows marathon committee are confident that the event will have surpassed the £30,000 raised last year.

Gillie Davidson, chairperson and founder of SLA charity said of the event: “SLA chooses to have so many runners in the Meadows marathon as I really believe in the power of students,” she said.

“I love the enthusiasm and energy that the committee has; young people are so willing to make the effort and go the extra mile. They never take no for an answer and this event proves that you really can achieve so much awareness of charity.”

Ms Davidson added: “I have thoroughly enjoyed the day; I have had so much fun and cannot praise the organisers enough for their efforts.”