Next race
Sunday, 30 May 2027
10:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Urban road
Elevation
Rolling · 120 m gain
120 m climbing
Race profile
The Edinburgh Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 30k finishers on an urban road in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. The course starts in Edinburgh and finishes in Musselburgh on the coast — point-to-point. Hilly only in the first few miles leaving Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Approximately 30k finishers
Course & terrain
The Edinburgh Marathon is a point-to-point course starting in central Edinburgh and finishing in Musselburgh, descending through East Lothian farmland toward the coast. The opening miles are the hilliest and the long run to the seaside is the easiest and fastest section, with crowds strongest at the city start, in the villages, and at the coastal finish.
The Edinburgh Marathon course is rolling over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 120 metres of climbing and 120 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.
Rolling · 120 m gain — approx. 66 m above sea level
↑ 120 m · ↓ 120 m · net 0 m
Registration
Edinburgh is widely regarded as one of the UK's fastest marathon courses. The race begins near Holyrood Palace — at a higher elevation — and descends steeply in the opening miles to the coastal road, giving runners a significant net downhill advantage over the first half. This makes it a popular course for personal bests and London Marathon Good For Age qualifying times.
Getting there
Ingliston, Edinburgh (EDI)
Edinburgh Airport
11 km / 7 mi
Race footage
Common questions
Official resources
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
Other races closest to Edinburgh.
The Loch Ness Marathon draws approximately 2,500 finishers each September on a point-to-point scenic road in Inverness, United Kingdom. The point-to-point Highlands scenery is the race's defining draw. The course passes long stretches beside Loch Ness, Highland moorland, and the river approach into Inverness. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
Next race: Sunday, 26 September 2027
The Belfast Marathon draws approximately 2,200 finishers on an urban road in Belfast, United Kingdom. The course starts and finishes at the City Hall. The route passes the Titanic Quarter, Stormont, and the Lagan towpath. Mostly flat with gentle undulations.
Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027
The Yorkshire Marathon attracts about 6,500 finishers each October on a scenic loop through the Yorkshire Wolds and York city centre. The course passes York Minster, the medieval city walls, and the rolling East Yorkshire countryside. October autumn colours and a fast but rolling profile make it one of England's most popular autumn marathons.
Next race: Sunday, 18 October 2026
The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon honours the Leeds Rhinos rugby league legend and MND campaigner, drawing approximately 4,380 finishers each May through Yorkshire's largest city. The course passes Kirkstall Abbey, Roundhay Park, and the Leeds city centre before finishing outside Headingley Stadium. May's Yorkshire spring and enthusiastic local crowds make it one of northern England's most emotional community marathons.
Next race: Sunday, 9 May 2027
The Manchester Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 28k finishers on an urban road in Manchester, United Kingdom. The course starts and finishes at Old Trafford. One of the UK's fastest courses, with no significant hills.
Next race: Sunday, 18 April 2027
The Chester Marathon attracts about 5,000 finishers each October through England's Roman walled city. The course passes the Eastgate Clock, Chester Cathedral, the Roman walls, and the Dee River on flat Cheshire terrain. October autumn weather and the historic Roman-heritage setting make it one of northwest England's most popular marathons.
Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027
Planning guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
Match a race to your goals — personal bests, sightseeing, atmosphere, or a major milestone — using course data and realistic expectations.
