Marathon 'generates £2m' for city

This year's woman's race was won by Fiona Matheson

The Edinburgh marathon generated more than £2m for the city's economy, acording to its organisers.

Almost 8,000 athletes from 50 countries took part in the race in May, many of them to raise money for charity.

The runners and their friends and family who came to watch, boosted local businesses by £2.036m, an economic impact study has shown.

Much of the money was spent by the athletes on accommodation in local hotels and guest houses.

The report showed that every marathon runner was accompanied to the event by two other people on average.

Runners and their supporters spent an estimated 16,711 bed nights in paid accommodation in Edinburgh and East Lothian.

'Positive response'

Almost half of the entrants came from Scotland, with 42% from the rest of the UK and 9% from overseas.

Edinburgh Marathon's chief executive, Geoff Sims said: "The Edinburgh Marathon and Hairy Haggis Team Relay has grown into one of the UK's biggest charity fundraising event and I am delighted that the vast majority of runners are saying that this year's marathon was better than ever.

"But most of all I am delighted with the amount of money that has been raised for the affiliated charities by the thousands of determined charity runners, all of whom are winners."

This year's marathon was the fifth running of the race, which has now become established as one the UK's most popular marathons.

Damien O'Looney, the marathon's PR and marketing manager, said: "We are overwhelmed with the positive response from the runners.

"The runners particularly liked the grandstand finish in Musselburgh Racecourse. With 97% saying they would run again we are predicting entries to next year's marathon to go through the roof."

Next year's marathon will be held on Sunday 25 May 2008. Entries open on 1 September.