Over 500 staff and students take part in The Edinburgh Winter Run
The Edinburgh Winter Run took place on Saturday 20th January, transforming Holyrood Park into a vibrant sea of runners.
With over 500 staff and students from the University of Edinburgh taking part, this annual event has become a hallmark of the winter season, bringing together participants from diverse backgrounds to share in the joy of running and fostering a sense of community.
Open to everybody
The sheer number of participants speaks volumes about the event's ability to unite the university community. It transcends the boundaries of academia, providing a platform for individuals to come together in a shared pursuit of wellness. The Edinburgh Winter Run becomes more than just a race; it becomes a symbol of collective accomplishment and solidarity.
The 5km lap of Arthurs Seat took just 16 minutes 59 seconds for Matthew Urbanski to be the fastest man to cross the line, and Sorcha Daly was the fastest woman in just 22 minutes 14 seconds. The non-binary category was won by Rufus Easey in 29 minutes 18 seconds.
Following the mass runners, there was something for all the family with the Family Mile and the Toddler Dash – inspiring future generations of runners!
A collaborative approach
The EWR is delivered through a partnership between the Sports Union and Durty Events, with support from Sport & Exercise. This years warm-ups were led by volunteers from the Sport & Exercise Student Employment Programme: Zena Younes, Melissa Taylor, Eilish Dickie, Lanyon Rowley and Lucy Martin.
The event delivery was also supported on the day by student-volunteers: Ben Jackson, Rita Garcia, Laura Gradillas, Connie Chen, Mindy Liu, Maddie Price and Sohani Wahi. These events simply don’t happen without the support and energy of volunteers, so a massive thank you to all those who helped out.
A sense of belonging
Mass participation events like the Edinburgh Winter Run play a crucial role in nurturing a sense of belonging within a community. The shared experience of overcoming physical challenges, the camaraderie built during training sessions, and the support exchanged during the run all contribute to a profound sense of connection among participants and with the wider Edinburgh community.
The event underscores the importance of communal activities in creating a sense of identity and shared purpose, leaving a lasting impression on participants and reinforcing the university's commitment to the holistic development of its community.