Edinburgh Marathon

Edinburgh Marathon course route

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.

Edinburgh Marathon elevation profile

The Edinburgh Marathon course is hilly with notable climbs 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.

Entry requirements

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.

Edinburgh Marathon course video

Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.

Welcome to the new Edinburgh Marathon route

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Edinburgh Marathon?

The Edinburgh Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. From Edinburgh to Musselburgh on the coast — point-to-point.

What time does the Edinburgh Marathon start?

The 2027 Edinburgh Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 23 May 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.edinburghmarathon.com/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.

Is the Edinburgh Marathon fast?

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.

Where does the Edinburgh Marathon start and finish?

The race starts near Holyrood Park at the foot of Arthur's Seat and follows the A1 coastal road east out of Edinburgh to finish in Musselburgh — a scenic East Lothian town on the Firth of Forth. The route passes through Portobello's beachfront promenade, giving runners spectacular sea views.

Is the Edinburgh Marathon Scotland's largest?

Yes. The Edinburgh Marathon Festival is Scotland's largest marathon event and one of the UK's biggest road running weekends, with the full marathon, half marathon, team relay, and shorter distances all held across the same weekend.

When is the Edinburgh Marathon held?

The Edinburgh Marathon is typically held on the last Sunday of May each year. May in Edinburgh brings long days, a festive city atmosphere, and mild spring conditions ideal for racing. Check www.edinburghmarathon.com for confirmed dates.

What is the elevation profile of the Edinburgh Marathon?

The course has a dramatic net downhill in the first half as runners descend from Holyrood, followed by a flat coastal section to Musselburgh. However, some shorter climbs and undulations in the city mean it is not completely flat — good hill training will pay off in the later miles.