Carniero Wins Rock ‘n’ Roll Edinburgh Half Marathon

She beat the first male to the finish line by nine seconds. 

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series made its European debut on Sunday morning in Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, with the Rock ‘n’ Roll Edinburgh Half Marathon. Leonar Carniero, 33, from Portugal was first runner to finish completing the race in 1 hour, 16 minutes and 5 seconds, scooping the £250 prize. The first male finisher was Jan Pichil, 29, from the Czech Republic in 1:16:14.

It was the second time in the history of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series that a female finished first. The first was in 2009 when Kara Goucher won the Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago Half Marathon.

“Edinburgh hosts many events throughout the year but nothing like this,” said Councillor Steve Cardownie, who fired the starting gun. “This event is absolutely fantastic and I hope it returns to the city for many years to come.”

The event replaced the ADT Edinburgh Half Marathon and started and finished in Holyrood Park, attracting nearly 5,000 entrants from 35 countries and 42 states in America.

At each mile along the route, runners were entertained by local Scottish bands including Hitchcock Blonde, Millsyeck, The Detours, Red 2 Red, Japan Four, Cow Cow Boogie, Jacky Forty Feet, The Deadly Winters, Robbie Reay and The Killer Cats, The Asps, hip hop act Stanley Odd and indie band Dolalay.

“Five thousand runners have traveled from around the world to be part of this exciting UK first,” said Shannon Davis, event manager. “We have had a great reception here in Edinburgh and this has been one of our most exciting and energetic races to date. We’re already looking forward to returning in 2013.”

After completing the race, runners enjoyed a post-race concert headlined by Glasgow indie rock band Kassidy. The second Rock ‘n’ Roll Edinburgh Half Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, April 7, 2013.