On Sunday 20th September, the Men’s 10K Edinburgh returns and invites runners of all abilities to be part of something truly special. For event ambassador Ross Taylor, this running event is about far more than the miles: it’s about atmosphere, connection, and unforgettable moments.
One of Ross’ highlights comes right at the end. The final stretch towards Murrayfield is where everything comes together - crowds building, noise rising, and the finish line drawing closer. As Ross describes it, “the final turn under the tram bridge… the people, the stadium, the noise… it gives you so much energy to push to the end.” It’s a moment that perfectly captures the emotion of the day.
The atmosphere throughout the route is just as powerful. Streets across Edinburgh are lined with supporters, creating an experience that feels bigger than the individual. Even if they’ve never met you, people are there to cheer you on, shouting encouragement and lifting spirits. Ross called it “unbelievable,” and added that “people who don’t and won’t ever know you are lining the streets… telling you ‘you’ve got this’.” It’s something you simply have to experience to understand.
What makes this running event stand out is its unique setting. The route takes in the historic city centre, offering a completely different way to see Edinburgh before culminating in a finish inside Murrayfield Stadium. That combination leaves a lasting impression, and for Ross, it’s what makes the event so memorable: “the route is unreal but the finishing inside Murrayfield makes the whole event worth it.”
Supporters play a huge role in shaping the experience. Their encouragement transforms the day into something shared, rather than something you take on alone. Ross explains that while he runs for himself, it’s the crowd that makes him feel part of something bigger, “like I belong in a running event alongside everyone else.”
His motivation to take part initially came from curiosity and a desire to explore. Running through Edinburgh without its usual hustle offered a fresh perspective on the city, especially as someone who wasn’t local. As he put it, “it felt like a cool way to ‘see it all’… and it was a really cool experience to tick that off on a Sunday morning jog.” It quickly became more than just a one-off experience, turning into something he’s returned to again and again.
For Ross, completing the event is about more than just crossing the line. It’s a personal victory and an opportunity to enjoy running while sharing the experience with thousands of others. “I really wanted to experience it with other people and feel the buzz of the event,” he said, reflecting on what makes the day so meaningful.
One particularly meaningful moment came at the start line in 2025. Standing alongside friends he’d met through running, Ross reflected on how far he’d come—from moving somewhere new and not knowing anyone, to building friendships through a local running group. “Standing there at the start… made me feel proud of myself for coming so far,” he shares. It was a reminder that running can be about connection just as much as movement.
Running with friends adds a dimension to the running experience that goes far beyond simply completing 10K. More than that, it’s the conversations, the encouragement, and the shared memories that make the journey special, transforming running from an individual pursuit into something deeply social and rewarding. Pictured with Ross are his best mates from university who also completed the event in 2025 with him and shows how friends from all walks of life can come together to complete a shared goal.
That sense of community extends throughout the entire event. From supporters leaning out of windows on the Royal Mile to those filling the stands at Murrayfield, the city comes together to create something special. It’s not about times or results—it’s about the shared experience, with “everyone there to create a buzz no matter how you performed.”
Along the way, inspiration often comes from fellow runners. Ross recalls a conversation with someone focused simply on reaching the finish, which stayed with him long after. It reinforced a powerful idea: “just showing up is a victory in itself.” It’s a message that reflects the inclusive spirit of the event—one where everyone belongs, regardless of pace or background.
This inclusivity is a big part of why the Men’s 10K Edinburgh has such a lasting impact. It creates an environment where people feel welcome to take part, no matter their experience level. As Ross says, “it draws out so many types of people and creates an environment where you feel like you can take part regardless of your abilities.” That feeling of belonging can be the starting point for a longer journey into staying active.
As an ambassador, Ross sees his role as representing exactly that. He doesn’t see himself as any different from anyone else taking part, but he hopes to encourage those who might be unsure. “This event is for everyone… we’re all one team on the day,” he says.
And for those considering signing up, he offers straightforward advice—if there’s even a small part of you that’s interested, go for it. “If you’re at least 1% interested, it’s worth signing up… you’ll know the feelings I’ve talked about after you’ve crossed the finish line.”
In three words, Ross sums it up best: rewarding, challenging, and fun.