Edinburgh Marathon Festival 2026
Run the 2026 Edinburgh Marathon Festival and support life-saving projects across NHS Lothian.
Take advantage of our charity places or use your own place to raise money and run for our treasured NHS. Experience the buzz of the crowds whilst taking in the historical architecture of Scotland’s capital city in this fast and flat run.
Sign up for a charity place
Take part in the full marathon, half marathon, Hairy Haggis relay (team of 4), 10K or 5K. Edinburgh Marathon Festival is a really popular event, so don’t miss out! Secure your place today, raise money and benefit from the discounted running place provided by NHS Lothian Charity
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
Francesco’s Story – Running for Hope, Healing, and the Breast Cancer Institute
When Francesco’s wife was diagnosed with breast cancer, he found strength in running. In May 2025, he ran his first marathon at the Edinburgh Marathon Festival in aid of NHS Lothian Charity to say thank you for the amazing care his wife received.
“The help we received from the NHS Lothian Breast Cancer Staff, from screening through diagnosis, and from surgery to post-op has been nothing short of outstanding, and while we’re not out of the woods yet there’s light at the end of the tunnel.”
Raising over £5,000 for the Breast Cancer Institute (BCI) – an NHS Lothian Charity fund dedicated to advancing breast cancer research – Francesco’s fundraising will go on to support important, life-saving research that will touch countless lives.
Francesco is a great example of what it means to turn personal adversity into purposeful action — inspiring those around him, raising money to support others, and showing that even in the face of life’s toughest challenges, hope and purpose can carry us forward.
Fundraising Targets and Registration Fees
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 | Charity Place Registration Fee | Fundraising Target |
|---|---|---|
| Full Marathon (24 May, 2026) | £28.00 | Pledge to raise a minimum of £575 sponsorship |
| Half Marathon (24 May, 2026) | £20.00 | Pledge to raise a minimum of £300 sponsorship |
| Hairy Haggis Relay (24 May, 2026) | £40 per team | Pledge to raise a minimum of £650 sponsorship per team |
| 10K (23 May, 2026) | £10 | Pledge to raise a minimum of £150 sponsorship |
| 5K (23 May, 2026) | £5 | Pledge to raise a minimum of £100 sponsorship |
| Junior Runs (23 May, 2026) | £5 | Pledge to raise a minimum of £50 sponsorship |
Sign up for a charity place
Take part in the full marathon, half marathon, Hairy Haggis relay (team of 4), 10K or 5K. Edinburgh Marathon Festival is a really popular event, so don’t miss out! Secure your place today, raise money and benefit from the discounted running place provided by NHS Lothian Charity
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
Sign up for Edinburgh Marathon Junior Runs
Join in one of many fun challenges such as the Junior 5K, 2K, 1.5K or Kids Kilometre runs. A great day out soaking up the atmosphere and beauty of the city.
Supporting you every step of the way
Every runner who signs up will receive:
- Wicking finisher’s t-shirt
- An official NHS Lothian Charity – #ThankYouNHS running vest or t-shirt
- Finisher’s medal and distance keyring
- NHS Lothian Charity medal
- Finisher’s pack
- Personalised event number with accurate timing chip
- Event baggage facilities
- Hydration and energy gel on route (for longer routes)
- Hydration and 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.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Edinburgh Marathon Festival
When you choose to run in aid of NHS Lothian Charity, you’ll receive a discounted rate on the standard entry fee. The entry fee is listed above for each distance.
Yes, we ask our runners to pledge to raise a minimum fundraising target based on their run distance. Don’t worry though, we’ll be here to help you every step of the way with tips, tools, and encouragement! And remember, every pound you raise helps us provide enhanced care and comfort for NHS Lothian patients and support our incredible NHS staff.
To help you stay on track, we also set key fundraising milestones: at least 50% of your fundraising target one month before the event, 85% by the date of the event, with the remaining amount to be raised 4 weeks after event day.
These milestones are designed to support you throughout your journey, keep you motivated, and help you reach your target with confidence.
You can find out more in our Fundraising Events Terms and Conditions
We’ve got you covered! Once you sign up, you’ll receive:
- Helpful tools, tips and encouragement on the run up to the event
- Ongoing support from our friendly fundraising team
- A dedicated contact for any questions or encouragement you need
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.
Find out more about the Edinburgh Marathon Festival by visiting: https://www.edinburghmarathon.com/
Still got questions?
Get in touch with Tu Edwards
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