Edinburgh Marathon Festival
Event summary
Not just a race, but an entire running festival. From the 5k to the marathon there is something for everyone, and this has been voted as the fastest marathon route in the UK. Come for a course that is ripe for smashing those PBs and bask in the weekend's festival atmosphere.
Your organiser
BRINGING CHARITIES AND COMPANIES TOGETHER THROUGH EVENTS
GSi Events Ltd specialise in organising events that provide a fundraising platform for charities.
Volunteer
How to enter
What's included:
- Wicking finisher’s t-shirt
- Chip-timed results
- Free and tailored training plan
- Unique finisher’s medal
- Race recovery pack
- Course marshalled
- Aid stations
- Refreshment stations
- Fantastic running experience
EMF Marathon
Run 26.2mi
EMF Half Marathon
Run 13.1mi
EMF 10k
Run 10km
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Frequently asked questions
How do I enter the Edinburgh Marathon?
You can enter normally or choose to run for a Charity. There is no ballot for the Edinburgh Marathon.… read moreWhat is the cut-off time for the Edinburgh Marathon?
The cut-off time for the marathon is 6 hours and 30 minutes, and for the half marathon the cut-off time is 3 hours and 15 minutes. This equates to a pace of 15 minutes per mile, or 9 minutes 15 seconds per km.… read moreWhen will I receive my race pack for the Edinburgh Marathon?
Race packs will be posted to you; if you have not received it before the event, you will be able to pick it up at the Race Village the day before the race.… read moreYou may also like
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Route description
Route description
Take part in Scotland's largest running festival, made up of a variety of race distances.
**Marathon
**
Once voted as the fastest marathon in the UK by Runners World, this course is ideal for those seeking a PB and for those making their marathon debut.
The race kicks off in central Edinburgh, within the grounds of the sixth-oldest English-speaking University. From here, runners will speed through the heart of this ancient city, passing by notable landmarks such as Greyfriars Bobby, the Mound and the iconic Edinburgh Castle.
From here you will make your way out of the city passed Arthur Seat and toward Musselburgh - passing by the Oldest Golf Course in the World which dates back to 1672.
This is a quick, picturesque marathon and not one to be missed.
**Half Marathon
**The Edinburgh Half follows a similar course to the marathon itself, starting in the historic centre of Edinburgh before making its way out toward the largest East Lothian Settlement, Musselburgh.
Ideal for those new to distance-running and wanting to get into the atmosphere of the weekend.
Marathon Relay
Four runners, 26.2 miles, one leg each. The relay is perfect for teams looking to get involved with the running festival. Details of each leg can be found below:
Leg 1: The Royal Leg – 8.3 miles: This is the longest and, undoubtedly, the most historic section of the marathon. Runners will have the opportunity to take in the centre of Edinburgh and all of its iconic sites, before heading out the city past Arthur Seat.
Leg 2: The Cock & Pan Leg – 5.5 miles: This section will take you across the River Esk and into East Lothian. Passing by Musselburgh's famous race-course, home to the world's oldest golf course.
Leg 3: The Gosford Leg – 8 miles: The penultimate leg takes you through Scotland's golfing coast and is the jewel in the crown of East Lothian. Passing by Longniddry and into Gosford House, this is a truly scenic route.
Leg 4: The Glory Leg – 4.4 miles: The home straight. The final runner will loop back passed Post Seton and toward Musselburgh, before entering Pinkie Playing Fields and over the finish line.
10k
This is a looped course which starts and finishes at Dynamic Earth, the EMF hub. Throughout, runners will experience spectacular views of Edinburgh castle. The course takes athletes passed the Scottish Parliament and Holyrood Palace before heading toward the prominent Arthur Seat.
For the final 5KM the course doubles back and along the Innocent Railway Road and back toward Holyrood and the finish area.
5k
Once again, this is a looped course which experiences many of the same sites as the 10KM race. This course will loop right around Arthur Seat, passed Dunsapie Loch before hitting epic views of the Pentland Hills. This is the same route for the Junior 5KM.
Junior Races:
The junior races offer scenic views of the city and Edinburgh Castle as the route for each will take our mini runners around Holyrood Park. The races are suitable for the following ages:
- Junior 5k - 11-18 years old
- Junior 2k - 9-12 years old
- Junior 1.5k - 6-8 years old
- Kids Kilometre - 3-6 years old (accompanied by an adult)
Schedule
Saturday
09:00 EMF 10k Start
11:00 EMF 5k Start
11:45 Junior 5k Start
13:00 Kids Kilometre Start
13:45 Junior 1.5k Race 1 Start
14:00 Junior 1.5k Race 2 Start
14:40 Junior 2k Race 1 Start
15:00 Junior 2k Race 2 Start
Sunday
08:00 EMF Half Marathon Start
10:00 EMF Marathon Start and EMF Team Relay Start
Please arrive at least 45 minutes before your scheduled race time.
There will be a spectator's pack that will become available from the beginning of May on the EMF Hub.
You are welcome to share this with your friends and family who want to support you on the day - it holds all the information they will need to enjoy watching you run.
Potterrow, Edinburgh, UK
Get directionsEMF Hub Address: Our Dynamic Earth, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AS
Marathon, Half Marathon, and Relay Start: Potterow, EH8 9AL
Marathon, Half Marathon, and Relay Finish: Pinkie Playing Fields, EH21 7HA
5k & 10k Start & Finish: Holyrood Park, Edinburgh
All Junior Races Start & Finish: Holyrood Park, Edinburgh
Walk: The EMF Hub is a short 15 minute walk from the centre of Edinburgh, located at the bottom of the Royal Mile.
Bike: The EMF Hub is conveniently located next to the National Cycle Network
Bus: Lothian Bus number 6 and 35 run directly to Dynamic Earth. Alternatively, you can get the bus into the city centre and then walk
EMF Marathon
EMF Half Marathon
EMF 10k
EMF 5k
EMF 4 Person Marathon Relay
Junior 5k
Junior 2k
Junior 1.5k
Kids Kilometre
Interested in volunteering at this event?
Organisers are always looking for an extra pair of hands and there are plenty of roles to fill!
Complete this short form and the organiser will be in touch.
By submitting, you’re accepting that we’ll pass your details onto the event organiser. We won’t pass your details onto anyone else.
Route description
Route description
Take part in Scotland's largest running festival, made up of a variety of race distances.
**Marathon
**
Once voted as the fastest marathon in the UK by Runners World, this course is ideal for those seeking a PB and for those making their marathon debut.
The race kicks off in central Edinburgh, within the grounds of the sixth-oldest English-speaking University. From here, runners will speed through the heart of this ancient city, passing by notable landmarks such as Greyfriars Bobby, the Mound and the iconic Edinburgh Castle.
From here you will make your way out of the city passed Arthur Seat and toward Musselburgh - passing by the Oldest Golf Course in the World which dates back to 1672.
This is a quick, picturesque marathon and not one to be missed.
**Half Marathon
**The Edinburgh Half follows a similar course to the marathon itself, starting in the historic centre of Edinburgh before making its way out toward the largest East Lothian Settlement, Musselburgh.
Ideal for those new to distance-running and wanting to get into the atmosphere of the weekend.
Marathon Relay
Four runners, 26.2 miles, one leg each. The relay is perfect for teams looking to get involved with the running festival. Details of each leg can be found below:
Leg 1: The Royal Leg – 8.3 miles: This is the longest and, undoubtedly, the most historic section of the marathon. Runners will have the opportunity to take in the centre of Edinburgh and all of its iconic sites, before heading out the city past Arthur Seat.
Leg 2: The Cock & Pan Leg – 5.5 miles: This section will take you across the River Esk and into East Lothian. Passing by Musselburgh's famous race-course, home to the world's oldest golf course.
Leg 3: The Gosford Leg – 8 miles: The penultimate leg takes you through Scotland's golfing coast and is the jewel in the crown of East Lothian. Passing by Longniddry and into Gosford House, this is a truly scenic route.
Leg 4: The Glory Leg – 4.4 miles: The home straight. The final runner will loop back passed Post Seton and toward Musselburgh, before entering Pinkie Playing Fields and over the finish line.
10k
This is a looped course which starts and finishes at Dynamic Earth, the EMF hub. Throughout, runners will experience spectacular views of Edinburgh castle. The course takes athletes passed the Scottish Parliament and Holyrood Palace before heading toward the prominent Arthur Seat.
For the final 5KM the course doubles back and along the Innocent Railway Road and back toward Holyrood and the finish area.
5k
Once again, this is a looped course which experiences many of the same sites as the 10KM race. This course will loop right around Arthur Seat, passed Dunsapie Loch before hitting epic views of the Pentland Hills. This is the same route for the Junior 5KM.
Junior Races:
The junior races offer scenic views of the city and Edinburgh Castle as the route for each will take our mini runners around Holyrood Park. The races are suitable for the following ages:
- Junior 5k - 11-18 years old
- Junior 2k - 9-12 years old
- Junior 1.5k - 6-8 years old
- Kids Kilometre - 3-6 years old (accompanied by an adult)
Schedule
Saturday
09:00 EMF 10k Start
11:00 EMF 5k Start
11:45 Junior 5k Start
13:00 Kids Kilometre Start
13:45 Junior 1.5k Race 1 Start
14:00 Junior 1.5k Race 2 Start
14:40 Junior 2k Race 1 Start
15:00 Junior 2k Race 2 Start
Sunday
08:00 EMF Half Marathon Start
10:00 EMF Marathon Start and EMF Team Relay Start
Please arrive at least 45 minutes before your scheduled race time.
There will be a spectator's pack that will become available from the beginning of May on the EMF Hub.
You are welcome to share this with your friends and family who want to support you on the day - it holds all the information they will need to enjoy watching you run.
Potterrow, Edinburgh, UK
Get directionsEMF Hub Address: Our Dynamic Earth, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AS
Marathon, Half Marathon, and Relay Start: Potterow, EH8 9AL
Marathon, Half Marathon, and Relay Finish: Pinkie Playing Fields, EH21 7HA
5k & 10k Start & Finish: Holyrood Park, Edinburgh
All Junior Races Start & Finish: Holyrood Park, Edinburgh
Walk: The EMF Hub is a short 15 minute walk from the centre of Edinburgh, located at the bottom of the Royal Mile.
Bike: The EMF Hub is conveniently located next to the National Cycle Network
Bus: Lothian Bus number 6 and 35 run directly to Dynamic Earth. Alternatively, you can get the bus into the city centre and then walk
EMF Marathon
EMF Half Marathon
EMF 10k
EMF 5k
EMF 4 Person Marathon Relay
Junior 5k
Junior 2k
Junior 1.5k
Kids Kilometre
Interested in volunteering at this event?
Organisers are always looking for an extra pair of hands and there are plenty of roles to fill!
Complete this short form and the organiser will be in touch.
By submitting, you’re accepting that we’ll pass your details onto the event organiser. We won’t pass your details onto anyone else.