THOUSANDS of Scots turned out in the October sunshine to take part in the Bupa Great Edinburgh Run.
The runners, many of them in colourful fancy dress and participating to raise money for charity, completed either a 10km or 5km route through the streets of the capital.
There was also a 2.5km Bupa Junior and 1.5km Mini Great Edinburgh Run for youngsters.
Despite an autumnal nip in the air, the mood was buoyant among those taking part as the skirl of bagpipes at every kilometre encouraged runners ever closer to the finish line.
The newly re-routed 10km course started in Holyrood Park in the shadow of Arthur's Seat, before heading west towards Duddingston Loch and looping back around to take in city landmarks such as Canongate Kirk and the Royal Commonwealth Pool.
Those on the 5km route ran, jogged and walked their way past the Scottish Parliament, base of Calton Hill and Holyrood Palace.
There were some famous faces among the masses, including John Michie, who plays Karl Monroe in Coronation Street, Chris Chittell, who plays Eric Pollard in Emmerdale and Spooks actress Shauna MacDonald.
All three were running to raise money for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.
Michelin starred chef Tom Kitchin took on the role of honorary starter, later competing in a business challenge alongside a team from his restaurant The Kitchin.
British internationalist Tom Humphries claimed victory in the men's race with a winning time of 29:23, with Scottish distance runner Andrew Lemoncello hot on his heels to finish second in 29:24 and fellow Scot Derek Hawkins third in 30:14.
Jess Coulson, of Stockport Harriers, was the first woman across the line in 33:12, followed by Edinburgh-born Olympian Freya Murray-Ross in 33:48 and Elspeth Curran of Kilbarchan AAC in 35:45.
Murray-Ross, who recently got married, postponed her honeymoon to take part in the race.
She said: "The crowds were just fantastic all around the course. But all credit to Jess who has more than her fair share of injuries and was the better runner on the day.
"I'm off to San Francisco tomorrow morning and touring California before returning and starting preparations for the World Championships in Moscow next summer."
David Hart, communications director of race organisers Nova International, said: "It's inspiring to see so many runners on the streets of the Scottish capital for a fantastic day of running."
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