On Sunday 22^nd May, the courageous (albeit slightly mad) group of Friend of EduSport devotees set out to complete the Edinburgh Marathon 2011. 

Varying in experience, the team included:

Fiona Campbell, Rona McIntosh, Clare Farrow, Charmaine Ayden, Tom MacDonald, Tony Gillespie, Louis Schena and last but not least half Marathon Runner Lauren Holden.

Prior to the big day, the team made sure that they were sufficiently ‘carb-loaded’ and spent the weekend indulging in all things pasta. To increase stamina and performance the group gulped back gallons of beetroot juice, although this did result in brilliantly purple toilet habits. Painstakingly equipped, the grouped headed to bed for an early night in preparation for the big day. 

As the team travelled to Edinburgh, the morning of the race was filled with butterflies and apprehension. Despite the moderately mild weather, the skies couldn’t resist opening and the rain started to fall. Donned in aluminous FoE vests (emblazed with Educate. Empower. Inspire) the team listened to the motivational music and the encouraging words that blasted from the tannoy. With an extensive stash of jellybeans, Lucozade gels and paracetamol the group approached the start line and waited for the marathon to begin. 

Starting in the city centre, the course included Holyrood Park, Leith Links and Portobello Promenade, then progressing through East Lothian before a finishing in Musselburgh.

Battling through a demanding headwind, the group soon separated and began pounding the streets of Edinburgh and coastal roads of mid-Lothian. Supported by the tremendous Scottish people who cheered, gave water and dished out jellybeans, the team all boldly fought through ‘the wall’. The team mixed with a brilliantly diverse group of people who ranged in age and ability and proved a joyful source of inspiration. While the team were united in the support of Friend of EduSport there was, as always, personal motivations behind taking on the challenge. Fiona was determined to complete a marathon before her 30^th birthday and tick another achievement off her to-do-list! She was grateful for the unfaltering support of Clare, who agreed to join her in the challenge. Tom having become a father to twins, Caleb and Esme, 7months earlier felt compelled to join the team and for Lauren, a proud mum of two, it was a personal challenge to balance fitness and family! 

Crossing the line first was Tony Gillespie who completed the epic run in under four hours, closely followed by Rona McIntosh (4hours 1minute) and Clare Farrow (4hours 15minutes) with impressive times. Next in was Tom MacDonald just over the 5hour mark, which was amazing given the limited preparation and followed by Fiona Campbell with an incredible performance of 5hour 28minutes. Next over the line was Louis Schena and then Charmaine Ayden who finished the marathon in 6.28. Our half marathon runner, Lauren Holden, also battled the head winds earlier on in the day completing the course in a very respectable 2hour 40minutes. 

Three weeks on and the blisters have almost healed, the muscles are virtually recovered and the excruciating pain is all but a distant memory. A huge congratulations goes out to all that ran in the Edinburgh Marathon and to all those that supported the valiant team. A special mention to Morag & Ian with an impressive banner at miles 14 and 21 that kept spirits up and stretched out a few cramped legs. We appreciated the support of Lexi, Anna, Tristan and Mr McIntosh who braved the streets to cheer us on. Also thank you for the support rendered by Derek who cycled the route providing a mental boost and sugar injection to our runners just when it was needed. At present the fundraising total has exceeded £2200, beating all expectations. The money raised will help FoE develop Chawama SEE School and build a permanent structure on our piece of land to educate, give sporting opportunities and enhance the lives of over 200 young people in Zambia. 

With the marathon completed the inspiring Friend of EduSport team are now preparing for their next challenge, an epic London to Paris bike ride. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their continued support and involvement with Friend of Edusport, we are enormously grateful. 

Last word comes from Fiona, I feel immensely proud of our team of runners, who ran 26.2miles motivated from within and feel everyone should be immensely proud of their achievements. It has been a humbling and inspiring experience; although I am not sure I can honestly say it will be repeated!  Time now to get the pedals turning…..

Article written by Charmaine (completed a marathon) Ayden.