Edinburgh Marathon

Location: Edinburgh
Country: United Kingdom
Website: https://www.edinburghmarathon.com/
2025 Marathon Date: 25/05/2025
2026 Marathon Date: 24/05/2026
Winning Time 2025: 02:22:16
% Sub-3s: 2–5%
# Sub-3s: 100–499
Total Runners: 10k–20k

The Edinburgh Marathon is one of the UK’s most popular late-spring races, known for its fast course and consistently high participation. Though the event starts in Edinburgh, the route moves swiftly toward the coast, offering a largely flat profile designed for performance rather than sightseeing.

The course begins near Potterrow in central Edinburgh, but after the first few miles, runners head east toward Musselburgh, following a point-to-point format that favours steady pacing. Much of the route hugs the shoreline, running through small towns and open stretches with few sharp turns or hills. It is widely regarded as one of the fastest marathon courses in the UK.

That speed comes at a cost—while the early atmosphere near the city centre is energetic, the later miles can feel sparse, with fewer spectators and long, straight sections that test focus and mental resilience. However, for sub-3 runners, this same predictability is a strength, allowing for lock-in pacing and minimal disruption.

May weather in Edinburgh is typically cool and overcast, with occasional wind from the North Sea. Morning temperatures are usually favourable for distance running, and the early start further mitigates any late-spring warmth.

The race is efficiently organised, with shuttle buses to and from the finish, frequent aid stations, and a well-drilled volunteer team. While the point-to-point setup requires some planning, logistics are clearly communicated and easy to follow.

With over 10,000 finishers and a substantial sub-3 contingent, the Edinburgh Marathon n is a strong choice for runners seeking a fast UK course without the congestion of London. It’s especially suited to those focused on performance over atmosphere, with its clean layout, early-summer timing, and history of producing personal bests.