Marathon Festival axed by Coronavirus curb on mass events

Organisers said they were “devastated” at having to pull the plug, but said the decision was in the best interests of participants, charity partners, the organising team and the emergency services.

They said they were planning to announce a new date for the event, which has been running since 2003, on Monday.

Along with the main marathon, which starts in Edinburgh city centre and finishes in East Lothian, the festival usually features a half marathon, 10k and 5k events, a relay race and several junior races.

The plug was pulled on the festival, which was due to be staged on May 23 and 24, days after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon called for the cancellation of all events for more than 500 people if they have the “potential to impact the emergency services.”