HIS sausage costume is sure to raise a smile, but Neil Fraser has a serious reason for running the BUPA Great Edinburgh Run.
The Leith education worker hopes to raise money for counselling services in memory of a close friend who took his own life.
He will join an estimated 10,000 runners in the annual 10km race, being launched today.
Their slogan, "May the 4th be
with you", means Star Wars fans will have no trouble remembering the date of the run.
Organisers hope record numbers will take part, raising hundreds of thousands for charity. This year the route has been changed to include fewer hills. Runners will go down, rather than up The Mound.
Famous faces are set to include Liz McColgan and actress Shauna McDonald, who will be running as part of a team for Leukaemia Research.
Mr Fraser, 39, from Easter Road, is training for the race with three of his friends. The trio are supporting the Church of Scotland counselling service in memory of their friend, whose family asked for him not to be named. Mr Fraser said "I've been running for three years, but this year it will be more emotional.
"Our friend seemed to have it all. He had a big house, a beautiful wife and children and a good job at the bank.
"But no one was aware that behind the success he was suffering from depression.
"In March last year he suddenly took his own life during a business trip to London. It was a terrible shock to all of us. He was always the life and soul of the party and never seemed to be down.
"I've suffered from depression too, but it took me ten years to recognise it and seek help.
"I want other sufferers to make sure they get treatment before they get to the stage that he got to.
"Counselling services are shockingly under-funded. If we can help save one person's life then this will be worthwhile."
Mr Fraser's girlfriend, Hanna Forsgren – an award-winning fashion designer – is making his costume, which they hope will catch people's attention and make them smile.
While runners will face fewer hills on the new route, it still takes in many of the city's most famous landmarks.
They will run past Greyfriars Bobby, the National Museum of Scotland and St Giles' Cathedral, before heading down The Mound.
Then the participants will run through Princes Street Gardens before they rejoin the traditional route in Market Street and the Royal Mile. The race will finish at the Meadows.
Paul Bush, chief operating officer of EventScotland, said: "The BUPA Great Edinburgh Run has grown into one of Scotland's most popular races, with growing levels of participation.
"The change of route this year won't lessen the impact the city has on the runners because they will pass some of the most famous landmarks in the world. It promises to be a great weekend."
The race is open to runners of all abilities, aged 15 and over. There will be entertainment, including live bands, along the route.
For younger participants, the Tesco Junior and Mini Great Edinburgh Run will take place on Saturday, May 3.
The full article contains 539 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
