The Quartermile, Edinburgh's largest forthcoming urban development, will sponsor the annual Meadows Marathon charity event that will take place in March 2008.

The sponsorship by Quartermile will provide substantial support in helping Meadows Marathon to raise an estimated £100,000 in aid of Sport Relief and other represented charities, a tenfold increase on the £10,000 raised at the first event last year.

Joe Pike, head of press for the Meadows Marathon and a second-year student at the University of Edinburgh told The Journal: "It's ambitious but achievable. To succeed we need students to get involved, register on our website and start training."

The half-marathon is one of the numerous projects run by the Edinburgh Students Charities Appeal (ESCA), which aims to raise funds for local and national charities and provide means for students to volunteer and help the community. Mr Pike said: “What's great about the Meadows Marathon is that we're showing the local community that students are willing to improve their image and contribute to society by raising loads of money for great organisations."

The Meadows Marathon will have 1,000 competitors with 600 places reserved for those wanting to represent and fundraise for local charities. With a charge of £15, the organisation hopes to give ninety per cent of the funds back to charity, using the rest to cover costs. The event, which will include entertainment and music, will take place around the Meadows and the neighbouring Quartermile, bringing together students and local volunteers. Additionally, The Journal has been named as the media partner of the 2008 event.

Speaking of the Quartermile's sponsorship, Mr Pike said: "The Quartermile is a £450m development and the company behind it have a portfolio of around £750m. They naturally have a wealth of resources, many of which they've put at our disposal, from their PR company to their brand managers. Their vast experience in so many areas means their advice and encouragement is invaluable."

In 2012 Quartermile will be home to almost 2,000 residents with 3,000 people employed in its shops, restaurants, offices and hotel. The architectural firm Fosters and Partners are responsible for re-mastering the nineteen acres of space into a new residential and business neighbourhood that incorporates new architecture with renovated period buildings.