A marathon weekend
The end of April was something of a marathon-fest, with EAC athletes recently travelling to London, Hamburg, Manchester and Blackpool, to take on the formidable challenge that is 26.2 miles.
With the London marathon doubling as the Scottish Marathon Championships, there is always an exodus of Scottish runners to the big city, for the big occasion. This year saw tough running conditions as temperatures were unseasonably high. Nonetheless, a number of fantastic performances were delivered.
The Edinburgh AC ladies took team gold: the scoring squad were Doireann Hughes (2:52), Isla Cubitt (2:54) and Barrie Lyell (3:04). Also running were Danielle Reid 3:24, Jayne Nisbet 3:26, Kirsten Duncan 3:26, and Izzy Joiner 4:28.
The men took team bronze, with the scorers being Jack Jones (2:25), Stuart Johnston (2:34) and Adam Rouse (2:37). Adam also took M50 silver. Other finishers were Michael Fullerton (2:54), Stephen Ingledew (3:20, winning M60 bronze), Leon Johnson (2:42), Prescott Leach (2:37), Gordon Pryde (2:52), Terry Roberts (2:55), Aaron Devereaux (4:30), Kevin Hamilton (2:54), James Payne (2:43), and Callum Reid (2:37).
Also in action were Pete Simpson who ran 2:56 at the Hamburg marathon, Neil Jack who clocked 2:54 in the Blackpool marathon, and Fraser Paton who completed the Manchester marathon in 4:22.
Doireann Hughes
Leading lady Doireann Hughes described her marathon experience, setting a PB in tough conditions and leading her clubmates to team gold:
“My London Marathon prep can only be described as a rollercoaster – one that was painfully slow to launch. What was meant to be a focused 16-week marathon block didn’t truly get underway until just 10 weeks out from race day. I struggled to get into any kind of consistent rhythm with my running.
“There were several reasons for this: a disrupted running routine after relocating back to Ireland, recurring colds and flus, the stress of resitting specialty medical exams, and the pressure of applying for ophthalmology training. The lack of structure in my training took a real toll on my fitness and left me with little confidence or belief in myself, both inside and outside of running. This marathon block reminded me just how much life outside running can affect your running — you need the mental space, energy, and mindset to properly absorb training.
“Thank you to everyone who made my time in Edinburgh so enjoyable and supported me on this journey — I appreciate you all deeply”
“During this journey, I was lucky to be part of Puma’s Project 3, an initiative promoting the brand at both the Boston and London Marathons. A friend sent me the application link back in January. At first, I wasn’t going to apply, thinking, “They’ll never pick me.” But after talking to my partner, I figured, “What do I have to lose?”
“The requirements were steep: a sub-3 marathon, an entry to London or Boston, and a short piece on what running means to you. To my surprise, a month later I was accepted — one of 100 successful applicants out of 2,500. There were some great perks too: Puma kit, mindset and nutrition coaching, and personal best prize money. It was the first time I’d ever had the chance to run for money.
“By then, I’d been accepted into ophthalmology specialty training (starting in July) and had some savings set aside, so I had a brainwave: why not go back to Edinburgh, train with Edinburgh AC, and catch up with old friends from work, university, and running? I posted in the EAC WhatsApp group asking if anyone could host me for the month — and was blown away by the offers. Special thanks to James and Alison, the Doran family, Hazel and Ian, and the MacCormick family for their wonderful hospitality and company. It reminded me how privileged I am to be part of such a supportive club.
“Edinburgh is where I really grew as an individual, professional, and athlete. Being back gave me a true boost of internal confidence; it was special to return and feel like I’d come home. My first session back at Saughton with the gang was phenomenal — easily the best I’d had in nine months. Beyond the session itself, the atmosphere was incredible. I reunited with old teammates and met new faces like Amy Vincent and Isla Cubitt. I was even lucky enough to meet Jenny Selman at the track that night.
“On a whim, I asked Jenny if she’d be interested in doing some long marathon sessions together. Honestly, I didn’t think I’d be able to keep up with her, but I figured even having company for 8–10 km would help. Luckily, she agreed — and soon we were yapping and lapping the Meadows every Sunday, racking up about 75 laps (not even counting the easy runs!). I’m so grateful to Jenny for introducing me to runners like Becca Burns and Amy Frankland. One Sunday, we even had Mhairi MacLennan pacing us for a 3x8 km session with 2 km float — probably the best session of the block and one I leaned on mentally during the race itself.
“Once taper week arrived, it brought a sigh of relief. I’d made it through the block injury-free, and now the chance to reap the rewards was close. Tapering always feels slightly absurd — trying to maintain routine but running little volume, keeping your step count low, eating massive amounts of starchy carbs even when you’re not hungry, wanting to lift at the gym but avoiding heavy weights. I was constantly checking the weather forecast, which (to my dismay) kept showing 20°C sunshine — a tough challenge for an Irish runner, as anything over 15°C feels like a struggle.
“I travelled to London on the Friday with my partner, Dylan, and went straight to the expo to collect my bib. On Saturday, Puma organized a meetup and photoshoot for the Project 3 athletes. That evening, I had an early night.
“On Sunday morning, I took the tube to the start line. There’s nothing quite like riding public transport on London Marathon day — the atmosphere is buzzing with excitement, nerves, and anticipation. It’s probably the one day of the year where you befriend random strangers and chat like you’ve known each other forever. I tried to soak it all in, even though my stomach was doing somersaults.
“At Blackheath, in the UK Championship zone, I met up with Jenny, Becca, and Isla. I’m so grateful I got to share the marathon experience and run side by side with Jenny and Isla up to the 30 km mark.
“In the end, I ran a time of 2:52:30 — slightly shy of my target, but still a time I’m proud of given the training block I had and the warm racing conditions. It was a great day for the club too: EAC women took gold and the men claimed bronze. I’m truly delighted that the club is getting the recognition it deserves — it’s worth noting that five of the six scoring athletes train at Saughton under Coach Garry.
“Thank you to everyone who made my time in Edinburgh so enjoyable and supported me on this journey — I appreciate you all deeply.
“Three key takeaways:
External factors in life can absolutely impact your running.
Always apply for the opportunity, even if you think it’s a long shot.
EAC is more than just a running club — it’s a true community that offers incredible kindness and support.
“And lastly: You don’t have to be at a certain level to be passionate about your sport.”
Adam Rouse
Adam Rouse ran a fantastic 2:37 to claim the Scottish M50 silver medal. Adam reflected on his journey to the top echelons of M50 marathon racing:
“I had given up competitive running in my late forties. I'd hit my peak at 41, breaking 2.30 for the marathon. Approaching 50 I had lost fitness and motivation.
“I set a challenge of racing every distance from 5k to ultra in my 51st year. The mojo was back and I entered London through the good for age standard, aiming to qualify for a championship place (sub 2.38).”
“I replicated my tried and tested marathon training plan: 7 mile work commutes, a speed session and a long run, averaging about 80 miles a week over the last 4 months. Long runs and commutes are slow and easy paced. Hard sessions are really hard, including the 5-4-3-2-1 mile session at marathon pace (15 miles with 5-4-3-2 minute recovery).
“However I missed high quality track sessions with EAC coach Garry Robertson due to ‘dad-taxi’ runs. My kids, and their pursuits, are my priority. I hope my dedication to running inspires them too. I think it's crucial to balance family and work life with running, otherwise the training is not sustainable. This does mean rude early starts and suspiciously late night runs.
“Consistency is key. I cross trained with weight sessions and avoided any ultra processed food or alcohol throughout (tragic!).
“Training went well, I decided to up my target to 2.32-2.35 but with a backup plan of adjusting pace at halfway to ensure championship standard.
“Crossing Tower Bridge on race day is always a highlight, but it was hot, the pace unsustainable, and so I eased off slightly. I ensured I took water, electrolytes and ice at every opportunity.
“The sun brought out the crowds like it was back in 2012, the Olympic year!
“I was proud to finish in 2.37 with Scottish Athletics EAC team bronze along with individual V50 silver.
“Next up will be the Edinburgh 7 Hills for fun, then some summer speed work towards the Glasgow half marathon in October. I’m looking at London and potentially Valencia marathons in 2026. I've got a M50 PB to beat…!”