Edinburgh Marathon Festival

The Edinburgh Marathon is one of the UK’s premier spring marathons and the flagship event of the Edinburgh Marathon Festival, drawing runners from across the world to Scotland’s historic capital. Known for its flat, fast, and highly runnable course, the race offers a rare combination of personal-best potential and scenic coastal running, making it one of the most appealing marathon experiences in the UK outside of London.

The marathon begins in the heart of Edinburgh before heading east toward Musselburgh, following a point-to-point route that blends urban landmarks with open coastal stretches. The net downhill profile and smooth course design have helped establish Edinburgh as one of the fastest marathon courses in the country, attracting both first-time marathoners and experienced runners chasing time goals.

Organized by GSi Events as part of a full weekend running festival, the event also includes a half marathon, 10K, 5K, relay races, and junior events, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere across two days. With a reputation for strong organization, high participation, and consistent sell-outs, the Edinburgh Marathon continues to grow as a major destination race on the European calendar.