Experience the Edinburgh Marathon Festival
Once a year, thousands upon thousands of runners descend upon Edinburgh for a weekend of fun, festivities and sweat, all in the name of charity. With a wide range of races and distances on offer, there’s an event to suit runners of all ages and abilities, whatever your training programme.
City landmarks and coastal towns
- Join 1,000's of other like-minded individuals
- 13.1 miles around the iconic sights of Edinburgh
- Fast and flat course, perfect for a PB
- Head along the scenic coastline
- Incredibly uplifting support from the locals
Flat, fast, coastal route
Starting on Potterrow in the grounds of one of the oldest Universities in the world, this incredible city centre start takes you through the very heart of Edinburgh, with the iconic Edinburgh Castle as your backdrop.
The route then takes in the ‘Gothic Rocket’, otherwise known as the Scott Monument, as it meanders down the historic Royal Mile.
As you reach Musselburgh, you’ll run past the oldest golf course in the world, before turning back along the coast. You’ll see the beautiful finish line ahead, one of the greatest sights for any runner!
Arthur's Seat - an extinct volcano which forms most of Holyrood Park. Dynamic Earth, home to the EMF Hub, sits at its base.
Also happening that weekend
The Edinburgh Marathon Festival has a choice of runs making it open to a wide range of ages and abilities, including:
Make a weekend of it in Edinburgh
For one weekend in May, in a city famous for its culture and festivals, running and raising money is the talk of the town. Why not spend the weekend exploring everything Edinburgh has to offer, including this epic running festival!
Make sure to visit the historic fortress of Edinburgh Castle for a great family day out.
"Beautiful scenery and wonderful crowds!"
"Fantastic experience at the Edinburgh half marathon today. Beautiful scenery and wonderful crowds! Well worth the early start!" - Carol L Doherty, Glasgow
"I had such an amazing time & the people of Edinburgh are what has made me get through it! Thank you so much & I won't be forgetting my first marathon, so glad I got to do it in Edinburgh!" - Catherine Marshall
Run for charity
Charities depend on the goodwill and effort of their supporters to survive, so make your race day a true cause for celebration by choosing to run the Edinburgh Half Marathon for one of the many worthy causes.
Race day rewards
- A wicking technical finishers t-shirt
- Accurate chip timing
- 16 week training plan based on your fitness level
- Great medal
- Results posted on the website within 48 hrs
- Race recovery pack
- A fantastic running experience!
Run for Alzheimer Scotland