American runner Karl Dusen had no idea that his prize for winning the 2008 Scotland Run in New York would be quite such a life changing experience.

American runner Karl Dusen had no idea that his prize for winning the 2008 Scotland Run in New York would be quite such a life changing experience. Karl's race prize was a trip to Scotland to enter the Edinburgh marathon. He explains how the atmosphere and romantic setting of Edinburgh led him and his race partner Emily to fall in love.

"After winning the Scotland Run 10K as part of NYC's Scotland Week, I was awarded a trip for two to come compete in the Edinburgh Marathon. Naturally, I was ecstatic, but I also had to choose a companion amongst some very interested friends and family. I decided to take my friend Emily who was also a runner and enter the Hairy Haggis Team Relay."

"We made our travel arrangements, travelled over from New York, and began a great trip to Edinburgh. We were totally engrossed by the Scottish capital. While strolling through the majestic city streets filled with wonderful shops and restaurants, we were really enjoying each other's company. We were falling in love as we were experiencing the excitement and history of Edinburgh."

"When it came time to race we joined up with our relay partners, Loretta and Beth, and planned our run. I was to lead off before handing off to Emily, followed by Loretta, and then Beth. I started the race off and quickly found myself in the lead. As I ran through Edinburgh I was energized by the passion of the Scottish crowd and the beauty of the city. It propelled me to Emily far ahead of the competition. As I tagged her hand and watch her fly off, I felt blessed to have been able to share this experience with such a lovely woman. I found my way to the finish as the women were each off to great races. Beth crossed the line to make us the 2nd overall team in the relay, and the first mixed team. We were very happy to come over to Scotland and race so well."

"After the race, we celebrated by taking in more of Edinburgh and each other. It would have been hard not to fall in love with Emily here. Spending time with this wonderful woman in this romantic city made for one of the best times in my life. When we got back to New York we were inseparable. On October 13th, in Central Park, I asked Emily to marry me and she said yes! Edinburgh and this marathon will always have a special place in our heart and we hope to come back as much as possible to experience the city and the race again, making more memories."