Edinburgh Marathon Festival 2026
Run the 2026 Edinburgh Marathon Festival and support life-saving projects across NHS Lothian
Registration is now open for the 2026 EMF Full and Half Marathon! Take advantage of our heavily discounted charity places and early bird promo and pledge to raise the minimum suggested sponsorship for your run distance.
Early Bird Discount – use promo code EMF2026EARLYBIRD!*
Full and half marathon only
For just a small fee and minimum suggested sponsorship, you can run the Edinburgh Marathon Festival to enhance patient comfort and care across NHS Lothian and support research and innovation that help keep families together longer. Experience the fantastic atmosphere and crowds, the flat and fast route, and the beauty of Edinburgh.
| Distance | Standard Entry Fee | Discounted Registration Fee | With Early Bird promo code* | Fundraising Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Marathon (24 May, 2026) | From £75.00 | £28.00 | £21.00 | Pledge to raise a minimum of £575 sponsorship |
| Half Marathon (24 May, 2026) | From £40.25 | £20.00 | £15.00 | Pledge to raise a minimum of £300 sponsorship |
Take advantage of our heavily discounted charity places and early bird promo!*
Use code: EMF2026EARLYBIRD
Every runner who signs up will receive:
- Wicking finisher’s t-shirt
- An official NHS Lothian – #ThankYouNHS running vest or T-shirt
- Finisher’s medal & distance keyring
- NHS Lothian Charity medal
- Finisher’s pack
- Personalised event number with accurate timing chip
- Event baggage facilities
- Hydration & energy gel on route (for longer routes)
- Hydration & nutrition at the finish
- Results posted in your account within 48 hours
- Fantastic running experience
- Bags of support
Got your own place? Sign up to join our #CharityChampions
Let us know if you have your own place via the run organisers directly and would like to fundraise for NHS Lothian Charity. You’ll receive a free running vest and ongoing support to achieve your fundraising target.
Find out more about the Edinburgh Marathon Festival
Frequently Asked Questions
A marathon is typically 26.2 miles long, which is equivalent to approximately 42.195 kilometres.
The start times for the Edinburgh Marathon Festival can vary. It’s best to check the official event schedule for specific start times for each race. Below are rough start times for each event.
- 10K – 09:00am Saturday 23rd May 2026
- 5K – 11:00am Saturday 23rd May 2026
- Junior 5K – 12:00pm Saturday 23rd May 2026
- Junior 2K – 13:00pm Saturday 23rd May 2026
- Junior 1.5K – 13:30pm Saturday 23rd May 2026
- Kids’ Kilometre – 14:00pm Saturday 23rd May 2026
- Edinburgh Half Marathon – 08:00am Sunday 24th May 2026
- Edinburgh Marathon – 10:00am Sunday 24th May 2026
- Edinburgh Marathon Team Relay – 10:00am Sunday 24th May 2026
The Edinburgh Marathon Festival takes place on the 23rd and 24th May 2026, with the full, half and relay taking place on Sunday 24th May and the 10K, 5K and junior races on Saturday 23rd May.
- 10K – 09:00am Saturday 23rd May 2026
- 5K – 11:00am Saturday 23rd May 2026
- Junior 5K – 12:00pm Saturday 23rd May 2026
- Junior 2K – 13:00pm Saturday 23rd May 2026
- Junior 1.5K – 13:30pm Saturday 23rd May 2026
- Kids’ Kilometre – 14:00pm Saturday 23rd May 2026
- Edinburgh Half Marathon – 08:00am Sunday 24th May 2026
- Edinburgh Marathon – 10:00am Sunday 24th May 2026
- Edinburgh Marathon Team Relay – 10:00am Sunday 24th May 2026
Training for a full or half marathon involves a combination of running, strength training, proper rest and nutrition. It’s important to follow a structured training plan that gradually increases mileage and intensity while allowing for recovery.
Average full marathon times vary widely depending on a range of factors. Generally full marathon times can range from around 4 to 6 hours. Half marathon times typically range from 1.5 to 3 hours.
The number of runners participating in the Edinburgh Marathon can vary from year to year. Typically, thousands of people take part.
The Edinburgh Marathon route showcases the city’s stunning scenery, passing through iconic landmarks such as Holyrood Park, Edinburgh Castle, and the Royal Mile. For specific details on the route, including maps, visit the Edinburgh Marathon Festival official website.
Still got questions?
Get in touch with Tu Edwards
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*subject to availability
