Coaching Essential For Edinburgh Marathon Festival

27 APR2011

The expected 30,000 participants plus supporters at next month's Edinburgh Marathon Festival (EMF) will be able to take advantage of reduced bus fares following the announcement of the continued partnership between EMF and Scottish Citylink.

For the second year running, Citylink will be the marathon's sponsor and will play a pivotal role in assisting runners as well as spectators travelling around Scotland's capital on May 22, 2011. Following last year's record-breaking eighth running of the Edinburgh Marathon Festival, the 2011 event is on target to be the biggest yet and Citylink will play a crucial part in the smooth running of the UK's fastest growing race.

The running Festival weekend will provide something for everyone with new races added to the world class city marathon and the ever popular Hairy Haggis Team Relay as well as the half marathon which was introduced last year and is now an annual fixture. The new format will see the event hosted over two days (May 21/22) in the city and now includes a junior race and a 5k race, as well as a 10k race, enabling runners of every ability to get a taste of a Marathon Festival and a grandstand finish at Musselburgh Race Course.

Aiden Proctor, commercial manager for Citylink, said: "The Edinburgh Marathon Festival attracts thousands every year and is one of the key dates in the city's calendar. However, with so many flocking to the city, it is vital we ensure transport links are as smooth as possible. Environmentally it's greener and less stressful to travel by coach so we're planning to run additional early buses with discounted tickets on the Sunday morning to handle increased passenger numbers."

Citylink is offering a special promotional fare to participants and supporters of the Edinburgh Marathon Festival, with a return fare on all Scottish routes to Edinburgh costing just £5.00. Please visit www.citylink.co.uk to plan your journey and enter the word 'marathon' in the promotional code box to get your special reduced fare.

Further information about the Edinburgh Marathon Festival, including entry details for charity places is available from the EMF website.