Edinburgh Urbanathlon 2011

Amongst many other events such as the Edinburgh festival 2011 and the Edinburgh festival fringe 2011 this city will be again hosting the Urbanathlons. These are multi-disciplinary, city foot races that benefit important UK charities. They take place all over the UK throughout the summer and fall. This year, in one of the last of these events in 2011, the Edinburgh Urbanathlon will take place at Arthurs Seat on the 25th of September. If you are planning on visiting the city or taking part in this event and need a hotel, then check out the Jurys Inn range of hotels in Edinburgh.

You can compete in the Urbanathlon as an individual, or as part of a 3-member team: it doesn’t matter, as long as you have fun. And that’s the whole point, along with earning some money for some very deserving charities. Last year, the 2010 Urbanathlon events raised over £60,000 pounds. In Scotland, proceeds go mostly to Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland, a group committed to improving the lives of those affected by heart disease and stroke. Other charities in Scotland and the UK will benefit as well.

The emphasis is on fun while making a difference in the world. Each race in the Urbanathlon, with its twelve urban obstacles, is designed to get you sweating and smiling as you run, scramble, climb, wade, and crawl. The 7k and 10k races have different layouts and courses, but similar fun obstacles set against familiar and iconic city landscapes.

Arthur’s Seat is the perfect setting for such an event. It’s the main peak of a group of hills that form most of Holyrood Park, located in the centre of Edinburgh, about a mile east of Edinburgh Castle which provides a great view of the city. It was named for King Arthur; many believe that it was the site of Arthur’s legendary castle and court Camelot, the seat of his power and inspiration to many a warrior and poet. There are other remarkable legends about Arthur’s Seat. One centers on David I, who founded Holyrood Abbey on the site after seeing a vision he believed saved his life. It’s the traditional site where young girls in Edinburgh bathe their faces in the dew on May Day to make themselves beautiful, as referenced by poet Robert Fergusson in the 1770s.

What a great way to celebrate the history and legacy of the great city of Edinburgh and Arthur’s Seat, while having fun and helping some great causes. It’s also a great way to get some exercise and participate in some wholesome and fun activities.