MarathonRegistration OpenBQ

Edinburgh Marathon

May 30, 2027 · 10:00 AMEdinburgh, City of Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Save

Race snapshot

Race Day

55°F

45–61°F · Feels mild

Total elevation gain

492ft

Relatively flat course · Net elevation change +82 ft

Participants

9,000

Large field

Crowd Rating

6/ 10

Good crowd energy

The Lowdown

The Edinburgh Marathon is one of the UK's most historic and popular spring marathons, with roots stretching back to the early 1980s and now forming the centrepiece of the multi-event Edinburgh Marathon Festival. Combining city history with coastal scenery, the race has grown into a major destination for British and international runners seeking a fast, well-organised spring marathon in a dramatic setting. The event attracts a broad field from club competitors and elite athletes chasing qualifying times to first-time marathoners drawn by the festival atmosphere and excellent support services. The course threads together many of Edinburgh's best sights and landscapes: runners pass the dramatic skyline dominated by Edinburgh Castle and the volcanic ridge of Arthur's Seat, move through the historic Old Town and Holyrood area, and enjoy long stretches along the Firth of Forth coastline offering expansive sea views and refreshing breezes. The relatively flat and fast-profile sections along the coastal road and promenade around Portobello and Musselburgh provide strong opportunities for personal bests, while crowd support, local bands and mile markers keep the energy high throughout. The Edinburgh Marathon is a certified course meeting national and international measurement standards and is recognised as a Boston Qualifier. Race organisation focuses on runner experience with clear course signage, plentiful aid stations, medical support and a lively finish area featuring medals, refreshments and festival entertainment, making it a memorable and accessible marathon for runners of all abilities.

Jun 24, 2026: 2027 Edinburgh Marathon Festival announced for 29–30 May 2027; registration open
Organisers have announced the 2027 Edinburgh Marathon Festival will take place 29–30 May 2027. The marathon (26.2 miles) is scheduled for Sunday 30 May 2027 at 10:00am. Registration is open as of 2026-06-24. 2027 entry prices have not yet been published; 2026 prices are held as reference only.
May 27, 2018: Men's course record: Joel Kipkemboi Kiptoo 2:13:33 (2018)
Joel Kipkemboi Kiptoo set the Edinburgh Marathon men's course record with a time of 2:13:33 on 27 May 2018, the fastest recorded finish on the current Edinburgh–Musselburgh route (downhill/point-to-point).
Jun 12, 2005: Women's course record: Zinaida Semenova 2:33:36 (2005)
Zinaida Semenova holds the women's course record for the Edinburgh Marathon with a time of 2:33:36, set on 12 June 2005 during the earlier circuit-format edition that produced the standing women's best.

2026 · Marathon

Loading the course…

Course Highlights: 01Holyrood Park – The course passes the dramatic Holyrood Park with views of Arthur's Seat
02Arthur's Seat – Iconic volcanic peak overlooking the route and central Edinburgh
03Scottish Parliament – Runners pass the modern Scottish Parliament building at the foot of the Royal Mile
04Royal Mile / Old Town – The route runs through or alongside the historic Royal Mile and medieval Old Town streets
05Princes Street & Princes Street Gardens – The marathon skirts Edinburgh's main shopping street with skyline views of the castle
06Leith Waterfront – The course goes through Leith, offering riverside and dockland scenery along the Firth of Forth approaches
07Musselburgh Racecourse – Traditional finish area for the Edinburgh Marathon Festival, with race facilities and spectator stands
Also on this race weekend: Half marathon · 10K · 5K
Time Limit: 6 hours
Boston Qualifier: This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.

Minimum Age: 18 years
Entry Methods: Online Registration
Charity Entry
Ballot (Lottery)
Tour Operator/Travel Package
Club/Group Entry
Eligibility: Must be 18 years or older on race day
Must hold a valid race entry and wear issued race number visibly
Entrants must be fit to run; medical clearance recommended if you have pre-existing conditions
Participants must comply with race rules, marshals and event organisers' instructions
No unauthorised entries, race numbers are non-transferable
Pushchairs, animals and personal support vehicles are not permitted on the course; wheelchair athletes must register in the dedicated wheelchair category
Must finish within the published course time limit (approximately 6 hours)
Required Documents: Photo ID
Emergency contact details
Medical information / medical consent
Proof of age for age-category entries (if requested)
Cancellation & Refund Policy: No refunds under any circumstances for standard entries
Paid bib transfers to another registered runner permitted up to 7 days before race subject to a £10 administration fee
Deferral to the next year permitted — medical deferrals accepted with a doctor's note up to race day (no fee); non-medical deferrals allowed up to 14 days before the event for a £15 fee
If the organiser cancels the event, entrants will be offered either a full refund or a free deferral to the next running of the Edinburgh Marathon

01: The race is part of the Edinburgh Marathon Festival weekend and finishes at Musselburgh Racecourse after a scenic point-to-point route that includes coastal views and landmarks such as Arthur's Seat and stretches along the Firth of Forth.
02: Finishers receive a custom medal and a technical race shirt, and there is a lively finish area with food, drink and often a post-race beer garden.
03: The event includes an expo, a half marathon, 10K and junior races, and typically offers chip timing and pace groups; it is UK Athletics certified and commonly used as a Boston Qualifier for eligible performances.
04: Aid stations with water, electrolyte drink and sports nutrition are positioned regularly along the course (approximately every 3–4 miles), and organizers recommend using public transport to reach the start and finish due to limited parking near Musselburgh.

Questions about the Edinburgh Marathon 2027

When is the Edinburgh Marathon 2027?

Sunday, May 30, 2027.

Where is the Edinburgh Marathon?

Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh, United Kingdom.

What time does the Edinburgh Marathon start?

The race starts at 10:00 AM, local time.

What is the Edinburgh Marathon time limit?

6 hours.

How do I enter the Edinburgh Marathon 2027?

Registration is open. Ways in: Online Registration; Charity Entry; Ballot (Lottery); Tour Operator/Travel Package.

How much does the Edinburgh Marathon 2027 cost?

Marathon Entry: £82.

What is the Edinburgh Marathon elevation gain?

150 m (492 ft) of total elevation gain. Net elevation change: +25 m (82 ft). Relatively flat course.

What is the Edinburgh Marathon course like?

It passes Holyrood Park, Arthur's Seat and Scottish Parliament. Course map

What is the weather like at the Edinburgh Marathon?

Race-day temperatures are usually 7–16 °C (45–61 °F). Feels mild.

How many runners does the Edinburgh Marathon have?

9,000 participants. Large field.

Is the Edinburgh Marathon a Boston qualifier?

Yes. This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event.

Prepare for This Race

Pace CalculatorPlan splits for marathon Race PredictorPredict your marathon time BQ CalculatorBQ-eligible course Fuel PlannerPlan nutrition for marathon, moderate weather Difficulty Analyzer492ft gain, 55°F avg, marathon Training PacesTraining zones for marathon

Running this race?

MarathonOS puts your race countdown on your Lock Screen and keeps every race-week checklist on your phone. Checklists and your race report are free for your first race.

Scan to download

Community

Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.

Community Reviews

Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.