SCOTLAND'S capital will welcome thousands of runners this week, taking part in the Edinburgh Marathon Festival with a number of key roads closed and bus services diverted.
Each year, around 25,000 runners take part in the festival’s marathon, half-marathon along with 5k and 10k races with this year's event set to take place between Friday to Sunday.
Ahead of the annual races, event organisers have reminded locals and tourists alike that there will be a number of road closures and parking restrictions in place while the festival takes place.
This year’s main event will run from Potterrow to Musselburgh, passing some of Edinburgh's most famous locations and landmarks.
Organisers behind the Edinburgh Marathon Festival said they have worked with Edinburgh and East Lothian councils in a bid to minimise travel disruption across the city as much as possible.
Those behind the races said they want people to be able to “carry on with their daily routine with as little inconvenience as possible”.
They urged people to respect the road closures, adding that those who breach them will be taken seriously by Police Scotland officers who will be in attendance.
“Please respect the road closures and do not threaten the safety of our participants and Event Team. We will cleanse and reopen the roads as soon as is safe to do so,” a spokesperson said.
The event area has been divided into seven zones, each with its own individual road closures and parking restrictions.
- Zone 1: Holyrood Park - Prestonfield - Potterrow - The Mound - Jeffrey Street - Canongate.
- Zone 2: Royal Park Terrace - Restalrig - Craigentinny - Seafield - Portobello - Joppa
- Zone 3: Edinburgh Road - Promenade - Eskside - Goose Green - Balcarres Road
- Zone 4: Musselburgh - Newbigging - Inveresk - Pinkie - Wallyford - Ravensheugh Road
- Zone 5: Prestonpans - Edinburgh Road - West Harbour Road
- Zone 6: Cockenzie High Street - Port Seton - Seton Sands
- Zone 7: Seton Sands Holiday Park - Gosford - Aberlady
Organisers also warned that there will be no event parking in Musselburgh and that parking restrictions will be in place, and Wallyford Park & Ride will not be available.
“Please plan ahead and use public transport or the EMF Event Buses. Do not travel by car,” organisers said.
Adding: “The future of this event depends on the support of the local community.
“Unfortunately, last year illegal parking caused serious disruption, including blocked bus routes and driveways, and pavements made inaccessible for wheelchair users and parents with prams.
“Parking in Musselburgh and surrounding areas will be strictly restricted to residents only. This will be actively enforced by marshals, Police Scotland, Edinburgh City Council, East Lothian Council, and EMF organisers.”
Those who do breach the parking restrictions risk being fined and having their vehicles towed.
A number of bus services operated by Lothian will also be affected across the city and East Lothian.
Shuttle buses will operate in certain areas of East Lothian where required on Sunday due to road closures for the Marathon and Half Marathon. Passengers are advised to plan ahead as traffic congestion in some parts is anticipated.
They advised spectators and supporters to use stop PN at Waverley Steps to catch the 26 or 44 service to Musselburgh, or stop ZK at Waterloo Place for the East Coast Buses 124 service to Longniddry.
The Service 226 Shuttle Bus will operate between Seton Sands and Prestonpans (Hawthorn Road), providing connections with Services X4 and 124 for onward travel between Wallyford/Musselburgh and Edinburgh city centre.
There will be additional stops for buses on Regent Road, Abbeyhill and London Road, Lothian Busses confirmed, adding they are “likely to be busy on arrival so we advise planning ahead to allow time for your journey”.
The statement added: “We’d like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding, and wish the very best of luck to all taking part in this year’s event.”
