Editors at two Scottish weekly papers are recovering this week after taking part in the Edinburgh Marathon.

Graeme Scott of the Fife Herald and Colin Hume from the Falkirk Herald were among the thousands of runners who endured the 26.2 mile course which began and ended at the Meadowbank Stadium.

For Graeme, his first marathon was partly an enjoyable experience – but also one of torture.

He said: “The last two miles were really tough. I had a problem with my hip and it was a case of just gritting my teeth and carrying on until the bitter end.”

With a finish time of under 3hr 50min, however, the 42-year-old was fairly pleased with his performance.

He said: “I had hoped to finish in around 3hr 30min or 3hr 45min, so given that it was my first marathon and the tough last few miles, I was pleased with how I did.”

And by completing the course, Graeme has raised £750 in sponsorship, which will go towards the Fife Free Press Group’s Maggie’s Cancer Care Centre appeal.

Graeme said: “Readers have raised so much money for the appeal that I wanted to do my bit.

“Giving up wasn’t an option – but there was a huge feeling of relief and euphoria as I crossed the finish line.”

Meanwhile there was also a sense of relief for Colin as he crossed the finish line, in a time of 4hr 30min.

The 35-year-old raised £500 for Alzheimer Scotland.

He said: “It was hard work, but I got there in the end.

“It was my first marathon – and my last. But it’s good to be able to say I have done it.

“It took slightly longer that I had hoped but it was very hilly – the last two miles were almost all hill, so it was very pleasing just to be able to keep my legs moving.”

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