martinlittle.com:thinkThin

When I woke up yesterday to hear the rain rattling down, the wind whistling and temperatures (taking wind chill into account) of 0C, I really felt for all the runners about to embark on 26 miles largely along the seafront. After rocking down to Prestonpans on my bike and getting final instructions, I took up my static(!) position outside Cockenzie power station, just before mile 12. The wind whipping down the road was incredible, and I really felt sorry for some of the later runners.

After completing my marshal duties for the runners coming back towards the finish at Musselburgh Racecourse and waiting for the sweeper bus to go past, I handed back my radio and cycled along to see what the finish was like after hearing very good reports from some people who had been in the grandstand. Even as those last few runners were trailing in, the response was very warm indeed, which was superb.

The new out-and-back course route seemed a bit boring to me, and I'm not sure how I'd have felt running with the wind in my face for 10 miles, but clearly I'm in the minority as all but one of the reviews on Runner's World said they would come back (and the other one is a 'maybe'). Overall, the response has been extremely positive which must come as a huge relief to the race organisers.

The one thing I really wish runners would do is write their names on their tops, on the front, and in a visible location. The number of people with their name on their back, or squirrelled away at the bottom of their running top was significant. This should really become a piece of standard marathon running guidance: it boosts the runners and it gives spectators something to shout about, improving the atmosphere for everyone. There is a chance I'm being too harsh here, as many people kept tops on over their running vests given the weather.

In terms of marathon organisation, it would be good to see an easier way for spectators to get to the route. Many of the roads were blocked off, but a little more thought in that area could perhaps have had a few shuttle buses running up and down, or else car parking for spectators. Even having the normal bus services running earlier on Sunday would have been a bonus and again improved the atmosphere.

Congratulations to all the runners and very well done to the organisers for overcoming what many suspected were insurmountable obstacles (or at least, were reported as insurmountable obstacles). Maybe next year I'll run it. Maybe.

More stories here: The Scotsman.