Car giant Chevrolet will back the race after getting involved on a smaller scale last year, joining a large team of sponsors which includes the Evening News. They will back the Hairy Haggis Team Relay, which allows people to jog a section of the course with friends without completing the arduous full marathon distance.

Richard Chamberlain, national retail marketing manager for Chevrolet UK, said: “We are very pleased to be contributing once again to the Edinburgh Marathon after the great success of the event in 2007.

“A number of our marketing managers were involved in the Hairy Haggis Team Relay in 2007 and wanted to give others the opportunity to have as much fun competing as they did.” Damien O’Looney, marketing manager for the marathon, said: “To have Chevrolet UK increase their commitment by sponsoring the marathon and team relay shows we are continuing to grow in popularity.” Other sponsors of the event on May 25 include Strathmore Spring Water and Real Radio.