Runners flock to enter marathon

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

Over 1,700 people have entered next year's Edinburgh Marathon after just three weeks of the entry date opening.

Scotland's largest marathon has seen a 70% increase on last year's entries. On the same date last year 1,010 people had signed up.

Ballot entries for the event are due to close on 15 January 2008. Charity, running club and overseas entries close on 2 May 2008.

There are 8,000 places plus another 4,000 for relay runners.

'Great route'

Damien O'Looney, spokesman for the marathon, said: "The feedback we got from runners was amazing and they especially liked the finish in Musselburgh racecourse.

"We are happy but not surprised that entries are flooding in and if they continue at this rate we will have to seriously think about closing entries early."

Geoff Sims, chief executive of the Edinburgh Marathon, said: "It's a nice feeling to be rated one of the best running events in the country and I expect to see a big upsurge in the numbers of runners taking part in 2008.

"We have a great race with a great route and have proved we have a fast course.

"We now want to attract the top British male and female athletes to Edinburgh to get a personal best on our fast route."