Edinburgh Marathon sees thousands race through capital's streets

More than 23,000 runners from 100 countries have taken part in the Edinburgh marathon, which was held in glorious sunshine.

The men's race was won by Kenyan athlete John Mutai in 2:19:52.

Ukrainian woman Natalia Lehonkova was the first female to cross the finishing line 20 minutes later.

Among the competitors was 101-year-old Fauja Singh, who crossed the line in five hours and 23 seconds, as part of a four-man relay team.

He said: "I love Edinburgh and I love this race. If I am still here next year then I will come back to run it again. Running five or 10 miles a day is what keeps me alive

The first Scottish woman home, Hayley Haining, raced to the finish in 2:45:17.

The 40-year-old Great Britain internationalist was taking part in her first marathon since the birth of her one-year-old son, Elliott, who greeted her at the finish line.

Hayley said: "There were so many people out there on the streets today and it was a wonderful feeling to be cheered on by so many.

"It was tough out there at times and I ran a little slower than I'd hoped to run but it's great to get so much support out there. I'm loving being a mum so it's wonderful to get a hug from my son on the finish line."

In the sunshine, runners from more than 100 countries set off from the heart of Edinburgh to take on the UK's fastest marathon course.

Scottish champion Ross Houston, who was racing in his home city, recorded a personal best.

The 32-year-old Scot finished fifth overall with a time of 2:21:01 to put down a marker as he aims for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014.

'Positive experience'

Organisers provided 131,085 bottles of water along the 26.2 mile route and another 29,000 at the finish.

Glasgow University student Michael Deason won the half marathon in 1:08:20, with Costa Rican athlete Gabriela Trana the first woman in 01:15:01.

A team of four IT experts from a Newcastle firm won the marathon relay race, in 2:52:12.

Neil Kilgour, Edinburgh Marathon Festival director, said: "We are proud that the Edinburgh Marathon Festival is the most inclusive festival of running in the UK.

"From the world's best elites through to the first time marathon runner, to youngsters standing in the start pen for the first time in their lives, we welcome them all. Each of these people are changing their lives and many are changing the lives of others too through raising vital funds for charity. It is a positive experience for all."

The organisers of the marathon, which was celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, hope to raise £4.5m for charities including Macmillan Cancer Support.