The Edinburgh Marathon Festival is a major UK running event offering a range of race distances from 1km to marathon, held annually in Scotland's capital. Voted the fastest marathon in the UK by Runner's World, the festival features a flat, scenic course showcasing Edinburgh's iconic landmarks and East Lothian coastline views. Events include a full marathon, half-marathon, team relay, 10K, 5K, and junior races for ages 3-18, all taking place over a weekend in late May. The festival atmosphere combines competitive running with family-friendly activities, featuring picturesque routes through Holyrood Park with panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle. With its reputation for PB potential due to predominantly flat courses, the event attracts both elite athletes and first-time participants across all age groups. The festival weekend culminates in a celebratory finish area where participants can enjoy their achievements with friends and family.
Races Offered
Running-10 km
May 23, 2026
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Distance —
10K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
09:00
Running-5 km
May 23, 2026
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Distance —
5K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
11:00
Running-Half-marathon
May 24, 2026
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Distance —
21.1K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
08:00
Running-Marathon
May 24, 2026
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Distance —
42.2K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
10:00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in Edinburgh.
thermostatTemperature
8.5° / 15.4°
wb_sunnyFeels like
5.6° / 12.9°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
10h 57m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
2.9 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
12.3 km/h (Gentle breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Low
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Moderate (4.2)
humidity_mid
Humidity
78.6%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
04:58
nightlight
Sunset
21:19
About Edinburgh
Learn more about the host city, Edinburgh.
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, located in the Central Belt of the country. With a population of 526,470 in the urban area in 2021, and 901,455 in the metropolitans, Edinburgh fizzes with a cosmopolitan yet uniquely Scottish atmosphere. Old volcanoes ensure a dramatic natural setting, with the imposing castle atop one. The city combines medieval relics, Georgian grandeur and a powerful layer of modern life with contemporary avant-garde. Medieval palaces, Gothic churches and fascinating historical buildings rub shoulders with the best of modern architecture, such as the Scottish Parliament and the National Museum of Scotland. Variously dubbed "Auld Reekie" or "Athens of the North", but usually just plain "Embruh", it hosts great restaurants, shops, pubs, wild and mild clubs, and an unrivalled programme of events and festivals throughout the year.
