IT was an unusual sight for anyone hoping for a quiet walk in the Meadows.

Hundreds of runners, some dressed as centipedes and chickens, ran a half-marathon to the sound of opera singers and bongo drums.

There was a carnival atmosphere as around 830 participants crossed the finishing line, cheered on by hundreds of spectators, while dancers, musicians and jugglers provided entertainment.

Edinburgh University students, who organised the event, hailed it as a resounding success. Now in its second year, the Meadows Marathon is the UK's largest student-run road race. They hope to raise at least £60,000 for charity.

The reigning Miss Scotland, Nieve Jennings, fired the gun at 11am to start the half-marathon and 5km fun run. One team of students dressed as a giant centipede were running for the Sick Kids Foundation, and another carrying ten litres of water on their backs were competing for Water Aid.

A group of girls in pink tutus and fairy wings were raising money for Children's Holiday Venture, which helps socially excluded children in Edinburgh. Students in chicken costumes were among a team of 40 running in aid of Scottish Love in Action, which runs a children's home in India.

Organiser Alex Robertson, 23, a maths student from Tollcross, said: "It's been a huge success. It's just a great big step up from last year. We had about four times as many people taking part.

"We were very lucky to have good weather for the race. People were having so much fun. We had lots of charities coming on board, and they brought so much energy and excitement to the event.

"There was a good mixture of people taking part. Student communities have a reputation for not mixing, but I hope events like this can help redress the balance."

Nicky More, 19, a student from Tollcross, was the first to cross the finishing line at Middle Meadow Walk. He completed the race in one hour 15 minutes and 9 seconds. He said: "I was just delighted to win. I'm a middle distance runner, and I train a lot for the 800 metres, but I've never run a half-marathon before. It was a good atmosphere. They kept you entertained all the way round."

Jessica Vanbinsbergen was the fastest woman, completing the race in one hour 27 minutes.

In honour of Mother's Day, Kirsti Sharratt received a bunch of flowers and bottle of champagne for being the fastest mum to complete the race.

The runners were entertained by African drummers, an opera group, singer and guitarist Micah Vincent and a jazz piper. There were also students from the Modern Dance Society, and face painters at the finishing line.

Magda James, 19, a nursing student from Livingstone Place, Sciennes, said: "It was great fun. There was such a lot of support. Everyone was having a really good time. I think I've raised about £400 for Children's Holiday Venture."

Alan Dodds, 51, was running with his daughter Laura Robertson, 21. He said: "It was tremendous fun. The bongo drums were superb, and there were lots of people cheering."

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