Edinburgh Marathon Festival

Edinburgh Marathon Festival returns on Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24, 2026, bringing one of the biggest sporting weekends of the month back to the city.

The event stretches across two days and includes the full marathon, half marathon, team relay, 10K, 5K, and a full junior race program.

Saturday’s schedule is focused on shorter races and family events. The 10K starts at 9:00 am, followed by the 5K at 11:00 am, then the junior events throughout the afternoon. The 10K and 5K take place around Holyrood Park, starting and finishing near Dynamic Earth, with wide views across the city and Edinburgh Castle.

Sunday is the main event, with the Edinburgh Half Marathon starting at 8:00 am and the Edinburgh Marathon and Hairy Haggis Team Relay both starting at 10:00 am.

The official route information says the marathon starts at Potterrow in central Edinburgh, then heads east toward Musselburgh, offering a course that mixes city landmarks with coastal scenery.

It’s a major date in Edinburgh’s May calendar, whether you’re planning to run, support friends, or just soak up the atmosphere across the city. For full event details, route information, and entry updates, visit the official Edinburgh Marathon Festival website.

Location & Event Info

• Venue: Holyrood Park and city centre routes, Edinburgh (start/finish area at Holyrood)
• Times: Races start early in the morning (e.g., marathon ~9am; check the official schedule for exact waves). Expo and registration on Friday/Saturday.
• Entry Info: Entry fees vary by distance (marathon around £60–£80; shorter races lower). Book via the official site (edinburghmarathon.com) – sells out fast, with charity and guaranteed places available.
• Notes: Family-friendly spectator zones; accessibility options for runners (e.g., handcycles, guides). Road closures expected—plan travel accordingly.

Edinburgh Marathon Events

Saturday, May 23, 2026
10K – 9:00 am
5K – 11:00 am
Junior 5K – 12:00 pm
Junior 2K – 1:00 pm
Junior 1.5K – 1:30 pm
Kids’ Kilometre – 2:00 pm

Sunday, May 24, 2026
Half Marathon – 8:00 am
Marathon – 10:00 am
Hairy Haggis Team Relay – 10:00 am