Runners to descend on city park

Andy Baddeley will be participating in the men's 4km race

Thousands of runners are to compete in this year's Bupa Great Winter Run during Edinburgh's 5km race around Arthur's Seat.

More than 2,500 runners are to take part in Holyrood Park on Saturday, from seven-year-olds to elite runners.

The day begins at 1020 GMT with the under-13 girls inter-district cross country 2km championship.

The Bupa Great Edinburgh International Cross Country events kick off just after 1300 GMT on Saturday.

The elite races will be televised live on BBC1 and competitors include Eritrea's Zersenay Tadese and Eluid Kipchoge of Kenya.

British competitors include Steph Twell in the women's 5.6km and Andy Baddeley in the men's 4km.

Baddeley, who is fully fit after an Achilles injury restricted his beginning to the winter season, believes Edinburgh again offers the perfect start in his build-up for next August's World Championships in Berlin.

"I'm really looking forward to defending my Edinburgh cross country title. It was a tough race last year and I'm sure it will be just as hard again," said Mr Baddeley.

"Winning again is very important to me," added Baddeley who has not ruled out competing at the World Cross Country Championships in March.