Runner dies at Edinburgh marathon

Thousands of runners took part in the Edinburgh marathon races

A runner collapsed and died during the Edinburgh Marathon races on Sunday, one of the hottest days of the year so far.

Douglas MacFarlane, 52, from Edinburgh, fell during the first leg of the team relay race, one of the events taking place alongside the main marathon.

Mr MacFarlane collapsed in Musselburgh Road at about 1225 BST and was taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, where he died.

Temperatures reached about 25C (77F) as more than 16,000 runners took part.

Lothian and Borders Police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.

An Edinburgh Marathon spokeswoman said: "Our thoughts and condolences are very much with his family and friends at this time."

Of the 16,822 runners who took part in the marathon, half marathon and relay race, 242 runners were treated at medical points along the circuit. Eight people were taken to hospital.

Cool runners

As temperatures rose throughout the day, onlookers lined the streets along the route to cheer runners on and offer water bottles to competitors.

In Prestonpans, spectators even used their garden hoses to cool runners down as they passed by.

Runners left London Road and made their way through the city's streets, including Holyrood Park.

Full marathon runners headed towards the coast road at Seafield, into Musselburgh before heading to Prestonpans, Cockenzie, Port Seton and into the grounds of Gosford House.

They finally crossed the finish line at Musselburgh Racecourse, watched by cheering crowds in the stand.

The men's marathon was won by Steve Littler of the Lancashire-based Wesham Runners club, in a time of 2hrs 26mins 31 secs.

Sarah Gee from Reading won the women's marathon in a time of 2:38:16.