MORE than 30,000 runners took part in this year's Edinburgh Marathon weekend with the main event in East Lothian yesterday.

Runners from all over the world gathered for Scotland’s biggest running festival, which saw the marathon, half marathon and relay run held on Sunday.

Sunny weather made for perfect running conditions for the elite fields on one of the world’s fastest marathon courses, where Kenyan dominance of the event continued in both the male and female races.

Julius Kiplagat Korir took a decisive victory in the men’s race, breaking clear in the last few miles to blow away the opposition, crossing the finish line in Musselburgh, in a winning time of 2 hours, 17 minutes and 13 seconds.

Fellow Kenyan, Stanley Kiprotich Bett took second place in 2 hours, 19 minutes and 9 seconds, followed closely by crowd favourite and star of ‘Running with the Kenyans', Japhet Koech with a time of 2 hours 20 minutes and 35 seconds.

Afterwards, Korir said: "I really enjoyed the race today. I was in the leading pack for the first 20 miles, then decided that I wanted to make a break for it to win, and was happy that I did.”

The women’s race was dominated by Kenyan Eddah Jepkosgei. She led from the gun to a six minute victory in 2 hours, 37 minutes and 46 seconds.

The podium was completed by Belarusian Olga Dubovskaya in 2 hours, 43 minutes and 40 seconds, and Dianne Lauder, Gala Harriers in 2 hours, 54 minutes and 48 seconds.

As if running 26.2 miles wasn’t tough enough, local lad Scott Hutchison of Tranent completed the grand slam of marathon, half marathon, 10k and 5k over the weekend.

Scott was running for Arthritis Research UK and Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust as both his dad and mother-in-law have been severely impacted by this in recent years.

He began his EMF weekend on Saturday by completing both the 5K and 10K races around Holyrood Park. And yesterday he was up and running again as he tackled the half and full marathon races.

Scott said, afterwards: "That’s probably the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do in my life, my body is absolute agony! Half way through the marathon was the hardest part of today, but I’m so chuffed that I finished and can’t wait to put my feet up and enjoy a barbecue!”

Neil Kilgour, Edinburgh Marathon Festival Director, said: "2017 has been another incredible year for Edinburgh Marathon Festival with record-breaking performances, tens of thousands of participants and millions raised for good causes.

“We are proud to host a truly world class running event in Scotland’s capital for people of all ages and abilities from across the globe. Congratulations to everyone who took part. Thanks for making the 2017 Edinburgh Marathon Festival one of the UK’s greatest mass participation events.”

Entries for the 2018 Edinburgh Marathon Festival which takes place on Bank Holiday Weekend on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th May 2018 are open with an early bird discount for everyone who registers before 11th June at www.edinburghmarathon.com