Aberdeen Marathon

The Aberdeen Marathon marks the return of marathon running to Aberdeen, Scotland, after a 37-year absence -- the city last hosted a marathon in 1990. Organized by the Aberdeen Marathon Company, the inaugural 26.2-mile race is the flagship event of a new summer running festival that also includes a half marathon and 5K, held on the same day. The launch follows the runaway success of the City of Aberdeen Half Marathon, whose debut 2026 edition sold out in just six days, prompting organizers to release an additional 1,000 places to meet demand. The marathon starts and finishes at Marischal Square on Broad Street in the city center, with the course looping out toward Milltimber and back. Runners pass St Machar Cathedral and the University of Aberdeen, follow the banks of the River Dee, run along Aberdeen Beach, and pass through the historic 900-year-old Port of Aberdeen, taking in the best of the city's coastal and riverside scenery. Branded 'Europe's Coolest Summer Marathon,' the event is capped at 2,000 marathon entrants, with the half marathon (2,000 places) and 5K (1,000 places) held alongside it. Entries are already open, with early sign-up strongly encouraged given the demand shown by the half marathon's sellout.